This is
a marked two mile hike one way, approximately 1 and 3/4 hour hike
time one way. The season runs spring through fall and public use
is moderate. The Elevation is between 7800ft and 9300ft, the rating
of difficulty is moderately strenuous.
TRAIL
ACCESS
Travel 2.1
miles west of the Ranger Station on State Highway 157. When the
highway curves left, keep going straight onto Echo Road. After
traveling .35 miles, turn right at the fork, remaining on Echo
Road. continue a short distance further until it makes a right
U-turn, becoming Crestview Drive. The trailhead and parking area
are located on the left side of the curve.
TRAIL
DESCRIPTION
The trail
travels up a canyon through Ponderosa, Aspen, Mountain Mahogany
and Currants. A number of small caves dot the limestone walls
along the way. After following an old road for 1.2 miles it narrows
down to a foot trail. Eventually the trail climbs out of the canyon,
heading toward the northern point of Cockscomb Ridge where it
reaches the junction of North Loop Trail.
The trail
to the left leads to Charleston Peak. About a half-mile up from
the junction is a popular campsite where a cave-like ledge is
used as a sleeping shelter. There is also a spring which runs
into a horse trough which has been carved out of a large log.
The trail
to the right leads to Deer Creek Highway.
TRAIL
RULES
*Be Considerate.
* Do not
litter. Leave trail in the same condition you found it or better.
*Stay on
designated trail. Short cutting switchbacks causes erosion, makes
ugly scars, and destroys the existing trail.
* Do not
deface trees or trail signs.
* Bury human
waste at least 200' away from the trail and at least 6 inches
deep.
CAMPING
*Camp at
least 200ft away from trails or water sources, primitive camping.
FIRE
RULES
* Fire and
smoking restrictions are put into effect during times of high
fire danger, in the summer. Watch for signs. Generally during
the summer months fires
are prohibited
except in camp
ground and picnic areas and only in fire rings.
* Please
use existing fire rings whenever possible and be sure to completely
extinguish all fires before leaving.
WATER
* Take drinking
water with you.
* Before
drinking all spring water, it should be boiled to destroy harmful
micro-organisms.
