Palmer Creek Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous Trail Use: Moderate
Length: 14 miles from Trailhead to jct with Phosphate Cr
Elevation: 6016ft at Trailhead, 9487 ft at jct with Phosphate Cr
Open to: Hikers, Equestrian
Trail Highlights:
- This trail begins by climbing steeply along a fence line up to an open hillside with nice views of the river below. The trail heads along the side of the hillside for a bit before climbing up through pine and aspen forest.
- The trail reaches an upper more open meadow with small aspen patches. It winds its way through these meadows, climbing slightly. The trail then enters the forest again and has a series of switchbacks.
- It then reaches a small pond in an open meadow, continuing to climb through meadows and aspen stands.
- It finally reaches an upper ridge with spectacular views into the Willow Cr drainage. The trail turns and heads directly along the ridge top, offering amazing views in every direction.
- The trail continues along Grayback Ridge for many miles, and is fairly easy to follow. There is a small user trail that loops back to the Palmer Cr Trail but this is not a maintained trail and it can be hard to find.
- The trail eventually reaches a junction with the Phosphate Cr Trail. This junction could be hard to find as there hasn’t been any trail maintenance in this area in quite some time.
Options:
- You can do a loop from off the ridge back to the Trailhead but the trail can be very hard to find and is unmarked.
- You can connect with the Phosphate Cr Trail which can connect you down to the Willow Cr Trail #40480, or you can continue to Pickle Pass and come out Little Greys River.
Important Information
- The back portions of this trail have not received any trail maintenance and not much is known about its condition. Have a good map and compass and know your route well.
- There is not very much available water once on the ridge. Plan accordingly.
- This trail is on the USGS quad map for Camp Davis and Bailey Lake..
- Always check the posted information at the kiosks for maps, updated material on forest regulations and closures.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Call Tim Farris, Trail Supervisor @ 307-739-5414 for current trail conditions. |
---|
General Information
Directions:
From Jackson, head south on US 189/191 to Hoback Junction. Take a right towards Alpine, but then take a quick left on Hoback Junction South Road before going over the bridge. This will take you down and across the river on a small one lane bridge. Continue on this road past the houses and you will see a small dirt parking area on your right, just before dropping down a small hill. Park here and the trail begins at the small sign across the road.