McClellan Creek (Upper) #302

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Downhill · Hike-a-bike · Technical · Views

Access to the top of the trail is done via Lower Elk Park Trail or Moose Creek Trail, and both of these trails are similar in difficulty. Access to the bottom is best achieved via lower McClellan Creek Trail.

The upper part of McClelland Creek Trail starts at the junction with Elk Park and Moose Creek Trails, and drops steeply down the McClellan Creek Drainage to where it junctions with Montgomery Park Trail. Unlike its lower half that is relatively easy and rideable in both directions, the upper half is much more difficult, steeper and it is recommended to ride it in the downhill direction. A downhill run is a thrilling and rocky ride with plenty of switchbacks. An ascent of this trail would be rather brutal and involve quite a bit of hike-a-bike. This is made worse with the trail's popularity with horses, as they tend to rough up the trail, especially on steep sections, loosening rocks and forming ruts.

Starting at the upper junction, the trail begins by descending down switchbacks through the forest into the drainage to the west of McClellan Creek. After a mile, the trail suddenly pops out of the trees into an alpine meadow where you get great views down into this western drainage. From here, a short climb will have you back in the trees again, over the ridge, and continuing down into the McClellan Drainage. Here the trail is steep and rough with some more switchbacks. About halfway down, the trail pops out into another meadow, heads down to the creek and crosses over to the other side. The last mile of trail pops passes in and out of intermittent clearings and the steepness and difficulty relax a little, but don't let up completely until you reach the junction with Montgomery Park Trail.