Gans Creek Main Loop

Dogs Leashed

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

Loose rock and multiple easy stream crossings when the water level is down make this a challenging route, but not an unpleasant one.

From the entrance at Rock Quarry parking lot, the trail begins with a nice ascent to the Gans Creek overlooks; there are many throughout the trail, along with multiple easy creek crossings when the water level is down. The creek itself is a smooth limestone bedrock, and the bluff overlooks of it are very nice.

This is a relatively quiet trail; if you're out there for a couple hours, you may see 5-10 people max. There is a bit of vegetation overgrowth on the northern end of the loop and on the outer south loop from Shooting Star Trailhead (not shown on this route which cuts through to the campground). There is a vault toilet at the campground.

The trail is marked for hiking/horses, but horse riders have restricted dates. The trail is marked with brown blazes, although there are two unmarked trails on the way, one off of the far north loop and one near the campground.

It is recommended that you bring a trail map (the park map can be downloaded here or use the Trail Run Project mobile app.) Enjoy.