Fremont National Recreation Trail #160 - Southern

Fremont National Recreation Trail #160, Southern Segment of Fremont National Recreation Trail #160 runs from Crooked Creek Drainage to Vee Lake.

This trail travels along the Crooked Creek drainage for the first 7.5 miles. The upper portions of this boisterous little stream flow through virgin stands of mixed conifers, including some very large diameter ponderosa pines. The trail crosses all three forks of Crooked Creek near its junction with the Fremont National Recreation Trail (NRT) #160. Continuing north, the trail ascends and traverses the slopes of Twelvemile Peak, McDowell Peak, and Crook Peak. The views from all three of these mountains are spectacular in all directions.

In the spring and early summer, the profusion of wildflowers in this region of the Warner Mountains further enhances the scenic vistas available along this trail. The Warners are also noted for their diverse and abundant population of butterflies. Continuing from Crook Peak, the trail accesses Swale Trailhead and then descends into Honey Creek drainage. Brightly colored lichen-encrusted rock outcrops and cliffs loom over the trail in this vicinity and native Redband trout populate the stream. From the Honey Creek canyon the trail continues on up to Vee Lake, the southern terminus of the Fremont NRT. Vee Lake has a healthy population of rainbow trout as well as a pair of resident ospreys who "fish" for them throughout the ice-free months.

This trail has a difficulty level of from easy to moderate. Most grades are under 10%.