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| Run/Jog | 19.45 Miles |
3,735 AEG |
| | Run/Jog | 19.45 Miles | 6 Hrs 34 Mns | | 3.04 mph |
| 3,735 ft AEG | 10 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Had a few options I was waffling between, but shortest drive ultimately won out. Plan was to go down Red Hill Trail, and head across Tutt Creek trail to connect with Foote Creek and Horse Ridge. Decided to start at Red Hill TH and go CW because Foote Creek looked to be the most sure water source. I also figured if any of these trails was in absolutely horrible shape, there might be a bail-out option involving hitchhiking.
Started at around 7:30am, the first part of Red Hill on the north side of the rim is high-elevation burn scar, so probably great raspberry picking in a couple months. Once over the ridge, vegetation changes to the drier variety. Great views from the ridge, and the trail wasn't hard to follow for the first 4 miles. After that, there are some overgrown parts and an occasional need to stop and look for the trail. At one point, the trail splits, with one going up and over a ridge, and one contouring around the side. I took the side route, although for a couple hundred feet it's pretty washed out and slightly hairy.
Eventually got down to Bush Creek, which was flowing at the first trail crossing. Lots of cattle in the area so I probably wouldn't touch it. About a quarter of a mile down Bush, I walked up on a mama bear and a cub. Let them know I was there and they cleared out without too much a fuss. Trail is hard to follow in parts of Bush Creek, although if you lose it, you can just go downstream.
Got to Tutt Creek Trail 8 miles in. This trail was in much better shape, and pretty easy to follow all the way to Foote Creek. Drank some water at the spring, which was flowing nicely. The drop down into Foote Creek was a bit rougher and had a little bit of catclaw, but wasn't too bad.
Foote Creek Trail was pretty spotty. A few minutes in, I unknowingly walked right by a napping bear, who got up, looked at me, and ran off like a frightened deer. At one point I lost the trail and stumbled on a nice big pool with a couple of waterfalls, which you miss if you're on trail. Got the the spring, drank more water, and took some extra with me just in case. From the spring up to the Horse Ridge junction, the going was easier.
I was planning on Horse Ridge being the worst part of the day. The first big climb ascends about 700 in 3/4 mile. Once gaining the ridge, there is a relatively level mile with sweeping views. I actually really enjoyed this trail, although I might have had a different opinion if it weren't for some clouds and a nice breeze. After passing a spot where the ridge pinches off into what I'm calling the Causeway, the climbing resumes. That last mile and a half to the top was an absolute grind.
From Horse Ridge TH, is was mostly just following 191 for a half mile or so, then going cross country for a more direct route back to Red Hill TH.
This loop was actually much better than I expected it to be. I think I can actually kinda recommend it (although a day that's not too sunny is ideal). Horse Ridge Trail is in outstanding shape, so now's the time to do it. |
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Bush Creek |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | Intermittent flow along Red Hill Trail. Dry at Tutt Creek. |
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Foote Creek |
Medium flow |
Medium flow |
| | | Solid flow from Tutt Creek Trail up to the spring. Intermittent flow from the spring up to Horse Ridge Trail. |
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Tutt Creek |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | More or less consistent flow up to the spring, which has good water for filtering. Dry above the spring. | | _____________________
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Before heading over to the other TH, I decided to do a quick mile hike up to the wilderness boundary on the Red Hill trail.
Route 
