Exploring Pine Creek Canyon Map & GPX Download

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Common Questions

Distance:: 3.93 miles
Class:: Class 2
Dogs:: Ok
Type:: Loop
Difficulty:: Easy
Parking:: The Pine Creek lot.
Restrooms:: Yes
Reception:: No
Access:: From the Pine Creek parking lot.
Good to Know:: Fork to the left first, then follow it around to the backside. Leads into the canyon where seasonal water is deeper and more abundant—nearing Fern Canyon. Circling around takes you to ledges overlooking the entire canyon.
Why:: This route takes you through numerous terrains each of which cover unique viewpoints. None of which you'll have by taking the conventional Pine Creek loop trail.
Wildlife Probability:: Low probability.
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.12886, -115.47374 — Map

Begin on the conventional Pine Creek trail.
At the fork, take the unsanctioned trail to the left.
Pass the Arnight trail entrance.
Pick up Knoll.
Cross the creek if you desire.
Whichever way you take on the Pine Creek loop, make your way to the back of the loop.
Continuing back through the canyon leads you further up stream, towards Fern Canyon.
In cooler months, you'll find large pools of water up stream.
The other brief detour leads to spectacular ledges that overlook all of Pine Creek Canyon.

Exploring Pine Creek Canyon

Follow this path exactly, crossing the stream twice, or choose your own adventure. Ascending further upstream leads to Fern Canyon and large pools of spring water. Otherwise, the ledges to the right are wonderful viewpoints. This vast system of trails take you through a multitude of environments you won't experience on the conventional Pine Creek loop trail. Exploring Pine Creek Canyon is an adventure you can do year round. For the most lush streams and largest pools, Dec - April is best.

Temperatures in this region are usually much cooler than in other areas due to the array of mountain provided shade. Mountain climbers frequent this area so you'll have chance encounter sightings with people scaling mountain sides from hundreds to thousands of feet up. Exploring the far back of Pine Creek Canyon will give you an idea of how to reach Fern Canyon, Juniper Canyon, and Bridge Mountain.