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A pristine trail in the Palisades backcountry.


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Map Key

10.4

Miles

16.8

KM

83%

Runnable

9,458' 2,883 m

High

5,883' 1,793 m

Low

3,897' 1,188 m

Up

736' 224 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

July is the ideal time to do this trail.

Need to Know

Motorcycles are allowed on this and the South Fork Indian Creek trail. Outfitters bring horses up into this area as well. Fall hunting is popular in the area.

Runner Notes

A tough but rewarding trail! Wear shoes that drain well and merino wool socks. Creeks can be dangerous in May/June.

Description

This is one of the more challenging yet beautiful trails in the Palisades area. Trails here are rugged but offer views that are breathtaking. There will be a few creek crossings on this section of trail, so prepare to get your feet wet.

The first 4+ miles to the Garden Canyon Trail turn is very doable. Rocky terrain and sometimes overgrown brush make for some challenges. When you start to climb, after crossing the creek for the final time on this section, the vertical steepness becomes the challenge. Around the time you hit the switchbacks (yes, they do end at some point), you'll notice waterfalls if you go early enough in the summer.

On the northern end of this trail, there are several trails that meander off the trail in both directions. Follow the map closely. In Lake Basin just past where "the chair" is, the trail transitions to the South Fork Indian Creek trail. If you have come this far, you might as well continue and make a loop out of it! Time this run right and you'll either have lush flowers down lower or rolling fields of lupines in the meadows and along the hillsides up high.

Flora & Fauna

Pine trees, quaky Aspens, lots of bushes/undergrowth, and flowers galore. Bears, moose, elk, mountain lions, and deer are in the area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jeff Fullmer

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1462

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#56

in Idaho

#1,462

Overall
7 Views Last Month
474 Since Sep 18, 2019
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Photos

The northern section where hillsides are covered in lupines, this was a few weeks too early as flowers are just starting to appear.
Sep 18, 2019 near Hoback, WY
Fantastic views on the downhill.
Sep 18, 2019 near Hoback, WY
Lots of flowers when they are in bloom!
Sep 18, 2019 near Hoback, WY
Along the never ending switchbacks!
Sep 18, 2019 near Hoback, WY
"The Chair" in Lake Basin.
Sep 18, 2019 near Hoback, WY
Above Lake Basin and "the chair" at sunrise.
Sep 18, 2019 near Hoback, WY

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