Acorn Creek Loop Route

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Quite a bit of horse manure on the trail but it's easy enough to avoid.

As the profile indicates, the first half is mostly climbing with mostly downhill on the second half. On hot days, you may want to take the clockwise direction around the loop in order to spend more of your climbing time in the shade.

Start by following the trail from the parking lot and taking the first or second right to start this trail (both take you to the same place). The trail will quickly start climbing moderately. You'll go through a stand of aspens before coming to the split. Take a right and continue uphill for a while.

Eventually, you'll exit the trees to see a private gate on the right. Follow the trail to the left but then you'll quickly see a couple offshoot trails, also to your left. You'll want to stay to the right to follow the power lines. The trail will continue with a rolling to moderate uphill before cutting left away from the power lines. Then the trail will follow the meadow straight uphill. This is the most challenging uphill section due to steepness. Don't forget to turn around occasionally for the views.

At the top of the meadow, you'll be at the highest point of the loop. At this point, you'll alternate between dense forest and clearings as you make your way to lower elevation. You'll come across 3 different creek crossings, none of which have clear or permanent ways to cross. The first has a narrow place to jump across about 10 feet further downstream from the main trail. The second has a log in place for crossing but it's not really permanent; it may or may not still be there. The third has a combination of rocks and logs to help you get across.

Soon after the third creek, you'll be back at the start of the loop and on your way back down to the main Acorn Creek trail and then the parking lot.