USGS and partner elevation data build the terrain, and the US Forest Service centerline draws the route.
7.8 mi · Typical grade 12 to 20%
About 2,400 ft between the route's high and low points. An estimate from US government elevation data, computed 2026-07-11; not measured in the field.
Trail facts
Length
7.8 mi mapped
Grade
Typical grade 12 to 20% (USFS trail class TG05)
Surface
native material
USFS-managed hiker season
year-round
USFS-managed uses
Hiking, Horseback (pack and saddle), Bicycling
Motorized status
Non-motorized (USFS designation)
National forest
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Length is the trail as the Forest Service maps it, not a trip distance. Hike out and back and you will cover it twice; check the shape of the route before you count on the figure.
This record is a snapshot of U.S. Forest Service data retrieved on 2026-07-09. It does not reflect current closures, conditions, or seasonal orders. Check with the local ranger district before you go.
Elevation
About 2,400 ft of climbing one way, measured in the harder direction.
High point
About 9,100 ft
Low point
About 6,700 ft
Estimates, derived from US government elevation data sampled along the USFS-mapped route, computed 2026-07-11. We have not measured these figures in the field.
Access points
Listed on Recreation.gov and matched to this trail by name and location, retrieved 2026-07-10. We have not visited or verified these access points.
Watkins Creek Trailhead
Set your ZIP or use your location for drive times to these access points.
Plan a day on this trail
A day here means a typical grade of 12 to 20%. Tell the Trip Builder where you are headed and it assembles a day-specific kit with weather, daylight, and terrain in mind.
