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Waterfall Crest #109

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 5.0 (1)
  1. Areas
  2. ID
  3. …Eastern Idaho
  4. …Targhee National Forest
  5. Palisades Creek Canyon and Big Elk Creek
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“Some of the best views of all of Palisades are found along this trail! ”

Jeff Fullmer
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Map Key

3.1

Miles

5.0

KM

66%

Runnable

9,619' 2,932 m

High

8,847' 2,697 m

Low

1,118' 341 m

Up

1,381' 421 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

47%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Need to Know

The climb up to the Austin Canyon ridge towards the end of this trail is steep but worth it to avoid having to navigate the cliff's of North Mt. Baird. It may look like you can navigate on North Mt. Baird as a shortcut and can drop down off there into Austin Canyon but its perilous!

Runner Notes

The trail along here can be faint in places and is covered with snow most the year so follow the map!

Description

This is the connector section to multiple trails including: Sheep Creek, Lake Canyon, Little Elk Creek Trail, Mt. Barid, Waterfall Canyon Trail, & Austin Canyon. You have incredible views of Palisades Reservoir, multiple mountain ranges, peaks, and several canyons along this section. Getting here is not easy, from any direction, but you are rewarded with a high mountain pristine paradise!

Flora & Fauna

Meadows full of flowers if you time it right! Snow does not completely melt up here until late July most years. You may see moose, mountain goats, deer, elk, and other creatures. Keep an eye out!

Contacts

Local Club: Idaho Falls Trail Runners (IFTR)

Land Manager: USFS - Caribou & Targhee National Forests Office

Shared By:

Jeff Fullmer
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#5

in Palisades Creek Canyon and Big Elk Creek

#4514

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#5

in Palisades Creek Canyon…

#197

in Idaho

#4,514

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2 Views Last Month
64 Since Jul 30, 2021
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Looking down into Waterfall Canyon as you head down the switchbacks to connect to Austin Canyon
Aug 18, 2021 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
At the top of the ridge, this is looking toward Palisade Waterfall and Upper Palisade Lake (just around the turn in the canyon).
Jul 1, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Even during a drought year, you can find snow on the north side of the ridge. This is right by the Waterfall Canyon - Sheep Cr. Trail split.
Jul 30, 2021 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Mt. Baird in the distance with a meadow of wildflowers in the foreground.
Jul 30, 2021 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Waterfall Canyon to the North before dropping down heading towards Austin Canyon.
Jul 30, 2021 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Cresting Waterfall Canyon and merging onto the Waterfall Crest trail (yes a little bit of signage can be seen) you'll see Mt. Baird and Palisades Reservoir.
Jul 13, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )

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