Greenhorn: Around here, hikers and mountain bikers usually share the same dirt, but some tilt more towards hiking and others towards riding. This one leans hard into riding. With plenty of other good hiking options starting from this trailhead, you’re better off letting the mountain bikers have this one. There are a bunch of tight, blind corners that make it a little sketchy on foot, especially if your pup is with you.
Imperial Gulch: Ditto what we said on Greenhorn – it’s really a mountain biking trail. Leave it for the riders.
West Fork of Prairie Creek: This trail, which begins at the end of Prairie Creek Road, is dying. Let it die. There are far better options at the trailhead, including Mill Lake, Miner Lake and Prairie Lakes.
Gladiator Pass: This is less of a hike and more of a stress test. Yeah, the view at the destination is pretty amazing, but you spend most of the time up there with your hands on your knees sucking wind that you don’t really enjoy it.
Deer Creek and North Fork of Deer Creek: These hikes way at the end of Deer Creek Road are beautiful, but they are really mountain bike trails. Besides, there are better options around the valley that are much easier to reach. One proviso: If you’re already camping down that way and are willing to stay aware at corners, they are worth checking out.
Upper Fall Creek: Don’t get us wrong—this is a nice walk through the woods. However, two trails from the same trailhead that split off from Upper Fall Creek—Surprise Valley and Moose Lake—are far better, if considerably more challenging, options. Upper Fall Creek is most useful for hikers who find those alternatives a little too daunting. If that’s you, follow the trail until you reach this sign:
