Steeple/Foote Creek Trailhead (recgovnpsdata)

We hiked the Foote Creek trail in the beginning of June, just a couple miles in (until the first majorly burnt section), and it was absolutely beautiful. The short gravel road to the trailhead was suitable for any kind of vehicle. It was like walking through another world (We’re from Phoenix lol). Well marked and easy to follow, but it’s important to know there are lots of fallen trees you have to step over throughout the trail, if you’re not willing/able to do that. We didn’t see any wildlife on our short hike aside from lots of butterflies. We did hear what sounded like a pretty large pack of coyotes calling from the distance though, which was cool.

Pros: Lots of elk, few people. Cons: Lots of bears, hail, sleet, & snow when you least expect it. Maps are less accurate here than in many places due to fire damage. There are major trails that disappeared entirely and new ones that have been created that aren't on maps. It's pretty easy to get turned around in this area. Don't expect your phone to work within 5 miles of this trailhead, or 50 miles if you have T-Mobile.

The Foote Creeke Trail was a well marked trail with easy to moderate grade. Hiking through ferns, wildflowers, and a patchwork of burned areas was awesome! I give it a "10"!

Beautiful area. Very dense forest high elevation, so make sure your equipped to walk or hike at that elevation. This area has heavy wildlife activity so just be very cautious. At the very least carry an air horn on you.

This trail was just ok...it varied between double track old road, open meadow, and some tree lined trail...there were quite a few downed trees and one area required climbing on other downed trees to get past...we only went about 2 miles in and there was a slight ascent on the way back...more of a "walk in the woods"