Austin Canyon

Dogs Unknown

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

A fantastic trail to run!

The trail is mapped starting from the Waterfall Crest Trail and heading down Austin Canyon to Siddoway Fork Trail which turns into the Big Elk Creek trail.

With a very steep drop in elevation to begin with, you'll enjoy the gentle downhill that follows. This trail opens into a vast wide open canyon that narrows as it curves and connects to the Siddoway Fork Trail. Early in the summer, there are multiple creek crossings as the snow melt runs high from all directions.

The trail is well marked except for the flat section below the switchbacks coming off the Waterfall Crest Trail. This is a backcountry trail that does not see a lot of use. There are small waterfalls and even a mini arch as the snow melt runs high early in the season. Watch out for stinging nettle as you get lower in elevation. Calf sleeves and knee sleeves are recommended if you are running this, and pants if hiking.

Moose, bear, elk, deer, willows, stinging nettle in the lower sections, pine trees, quaky aspen.