Adam's Canyon Trail

Dogs Leashed

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

This is a great trail with lots of rocks and roots. It starts with sandy switchbacks and rapid elevation gain. The trail follows the creek up to the waterfall. A very popular trail with locals, hit this trail on a Sunday morning during the week to avoid the crowds.

The switchbacks are fairly exposed. This trail is fairly shaded after the first 0.5 mile. Lots of hikers on the trail so remember etiquette.

Spikes are needed in winter - lots of ice! Some technical trail towards the last half of the ascent.

The initial switchbacks from the trailhead make for great interval training. The switchbacks start with packed trail but quickly turns to sand. After the initial climb in the switchbacks the trail opens up, becomes firmer and continues to climb. There is a short set directly after the straight section that is firm and narrow. This section heads left instead of climbing to the right. Going to the right is a little steeper and takes a little distance off the route. After the last set, you'll finish on curving trail to the top section.

Once there, head back down and do it all again! Ouch...

From the trailhead, head up the switchbacks that are sandy and soft, the trail is easy to follow and will probably be busy. There is a lot of sun exposure here, so the first half mile can be very warm and a reason for sunscreen. The trail levels out after the switchbacks and then climbs again to the BST, which it joins, follows around the mountain, and starts to head up the canyon.

When heading into the canyon, stay to the right, following the singletrack which drops down to the creek and keeps following the creek all the way to the waterfall. The terrain gets more rugged as you continue, with many rocks and roots. The trail then crosses the creek and runs through a campground as it continues to climb.

There is a scramble across a flat rock section which heads into the most technical part of the trail with about a quarter of a mile left before the waterfall. This last part can be very tricky and steep, just keep moving along the trail until you get to the last crossing of the creek just below the waterfall and you are there. Enjoy the view and refuel for the return trip, back the way you just came up.

The trail does extend beyond the waterfall, but most turn around at that viewpoint.

Lots of wildflowers on the trail.