Old Kiln Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The non-flooded parts of the Old Kiln Trail feature smooth, fine gravel surface. The section through the stream bed has loose rocks and sandy parts with difficult footing. Almost no shade.

The easy Old Kiln Trail is nearly a loop and can be followed in either direction. This description starts on the north end and travels counter clockwise.

From its signed junction with the Foothills North Trail, take the Old Kiln Trail north over flat open grassland. The initially easy, wide trail approaches the Four Mile Creek and parallels it along an eroded bank. The 2013 floods severely damaged the Old Kiln Trail and as of Spring 2015 there is still a tricky, narrow, eroded section to negotiate. Once past this obstacle, the northern section of the trail now drops down into the stream bed, traveling west aided by cairns. Just as the stream banks rise and begin to close in on the trail, the path has been routed up the southern bank to regain the grassy hillside. This spot has been marked with cairns but is not easy to see until you're very close.

Climb up a short rise between low hills, arriving soon at a stretch of wooden fence. Here is also the intersection with the Old Kiln Spur. The trail surface returns to well-maintained fine gravel beyond this point. Continue south on the Old Kiln Trail over a small seasonal stream. The remainder of the route traverses gently descending hillsides with wildflowers and views to the east and west. The Old Kiln Trail ends at an intersection with the Foothills North Trail just a short way south of where it started.

Hawks, snakes, deer.