What makes the Big Elk Creek Trail so amazing is the lush undergrowth and large flowing creek. In early summer, the water will be above your waist at this crossing. The Dry Canyon Trail crosses the creek, and this makes for a great turnaround point for small children and also a great little swimming hole. Bikers avoid this narrow trail as you can hike it faster than biking it because of the sometimes rocky terrain.Īround 3 miles, you'll pass the Dry Canyon Trail turnoff to the east (right) that is marked with a sign. This trail is frequented by horses, so the trail has protruding rocks in some spots. One can stay dry during mid/late summer months. Early in the year before summer, there is potential for multiple creek crossings. This trail starts off steep for a short 50-yard section and then levels out and meanders up and down, but the climbing is minimal. There is also a public outhouse at the trailhead. There is a camp host on site as well with water and maintained outhouse facilities. $12 is the overnight rate (2017) for a single vehicle and pad site. There are reservation and non-reservation campsites for RV’s or tents. This makes for a great area to camp before or after your hike. As you continue to drive on the dirt road, you'll drive through a Forest Service Campground. There is a dock at the inlet lake for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or even motor boating with access to a boat launch. Turing off the highway onto the dirt road to the trailhead, you'll drive along a small inlet lake to the Palisades Reservoir that is filled by Big Elk Creek. With minimal elevation gain, this makes for a great trail for small children or for beginner hikers. Along the creek runs this easy to follow singletrack trail. Flowing into the Palisades Reservoir is a large creek known as Big Elk Creek.
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