South Fork of Fall Creek Trail

Difficulty:  Moderate     Trail Use:  Moderate

Length:   8 miles from jct with road #40997 near Trails End Ranch to District Boundary at North Indian Cr Pass, ~ 3 miles to jct with North Fork Fall Cr Trail, ~3.25 to jct with Coburn Cr Cutoff Trail

Elevation:   6663 ft at Trailhead, 6823 ft at jct with North Fork Fall Cr Trail, 6890 ft at jct with Coburn Cr Trail, 9443 ft at top of North Indian Cr Pass

Open to:  Hikers, Equestrian, Mountain Bikes

Trail Highlights:

• The trail leaves from the parking lot and follows an old road bed down to the creek.  It crosses and then heads steeply up into the lodgepole pine forest.   It heads through this tight forest until coming out onto an open side slope above the creek which it follows for a couple miles until reaching the North Fork Fall Cr road.
• The trail then follows the road briefly until passing the outfitter camp.  From here the trail heads up the drainage and you will find a junction for the Coburn Cr Cutoff Trail on your left.  Just past here the trail turns and climbs the hill to the right.  Do not follow the faint old trail that heads straight along the creek.  It runs into several large boggy areas and lots of downed trees.
• From here, the trail heads up the drainage through mixed pine forest, passing a small pond and winding through sections of open meadow and aspen forest that is stunning in the fall. 
• Eventually the trail enters large open alpine meadows where it becomes fainter as it makes its way to the pass.  Trail tread has basically disappeared in this area so have a map and know your route well.  Eventually the trail switches back and climbs up the bowl to the ridge.

Options:

• From this trail you can do a loop with the North Fork of Fall Cr, or you can connect to the Coburn Cr Trail.

Important Information

• This trail is located on USGS quad maps for Munger Mt and Observation Peak, 7.5 minute.
• Always check the posted information at the kiosks for maps, updated material on forest regulations and closures.

At a Glance