Route Editor
Route Scout
The fabulous views just keep coming along all 22 miles of this ridgetop trail. It snakes its way among the highest peaks in the Galiuros and sidesteps the upper reaches of several of the range's major canyons. From the trailhead in Deer Creek, the East Divide Trail wanders its way along shallow drainages and grassy flats to the upper reaches of Oak Creek. It then follows this drainage to the top of the easternmost of the two ridges which divide the Galiuros. Once atop the East Divide, the trail follows a ridge line route past Kennedy, Sunset and Bassett Peaks, offering good views of other prominent points in the mountain range including Kielberg, Grassy and Rhodes Peaks, as well as Biscuit, Maverick and Cake Mountains. A quarter-mile side trip takes you to an even more impressive panorama atop Kennedy Peak, where the views stretch toward all points of the compass. From the high ridge of the Galiuros' East Divide, the trail drops into the upper reaches of Douglas Canyon where stands of Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and aspen provide the scenery. Paddys River, Sunset Canyon and Redfield Canyon add more drama to the topography, both to the east and the west, as the trail passes its junction with the High Creek Trail #290 and continues on to the point where Bassett Peak Trail #287B sets off for the 7,663 foot summit of Bassett Peak, highest in the Galiuros. Here, the East Divide Trail drops off the high ridge and switchbacks down into Ash Creek Canyon completing the last leg of its long and notable journey. The East Divide Trail is also accessible via a number of other Galiuro Wilderness trails including Tortilla #254, Corral Canyon #291, Paddys River #293, and High Creek #290 trails. Notes: Portions of this trail can be difficult to follow. A topographic map and compass should be considered an essential part of your equipment when visiting here. 20.2 miles of this trail are within the Galiuro Wilderness. One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
