Fox Creek Loop - Ketchum
August 18, 2007
Close to Ketchum, this trail is one of the most popular in the local area. A beautiful loop on the edge of the Smoky Mountains, this hike passes through high-altitude aspen groves, fields of sage and wildflowers, and alongside creeks and the Big Wood River. If you have less than an hour and want a fun-filled ride near town, this is the ticket. On a bike, a reasonable climb gets you a descent that’s a hoot.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.5 miles from Fox Creek trailhead and 6.3 miles from Lake Creek trailhead.
Elevation gain: 735 Feet
Highest Point: 6,700 Feet
Access: Paved Road
To the Trail:
There are several ways to access Fox Creek:
Lake Creek Trailhead - North on Highway 75 from the stoplight at Main St. & Sun Valley Road in Ketchum for 4 miles and turn left at the sign for Lake Creek Trailhead.
Fox Creek Trailhead - North on Highway 75 from the stoplight at Main St. & Sun Valley Road in Ketchum for 5.7 miles and turn left at the sign for Fox Creek Trailhead. Follow the dirt road (FS road #020) for a short distance and you will reach the parking area next to the river. The Fox Creek Trailhead offers more immediate access to the trail and is often open earlier in the spring when the trail is open but the entrance from Lake Creek is still flooded by the Big Wood River. There are bathrooms located at both trailheads.
Hulen Meadows - There is access onto the road from the far north end of Hulen Meadows. This is suitable for bike or foot access, if you are arriving by car use Lake Creek or Fox Creek trailheads. Note: Big Wood Backcountry Trails, the Forest Service and Hulen Meadows residents discourage use of the Hulen Meadows neighborhood trailhead because it is small and the traffic is disruptive to the residents.
Typical Conditions:
Early season: There is often quite a bit of mud near the bridges and the creek crossings can be a bit wide for hikers. Late season: As the season progresses, the hill on the south end of the loop can get quite rutted. This is one of the reasons for trail users to stay off the trails early in the season as it contributes to late season ruttiness. Otherwise, the trail is usually in great condition.
The Trail:
From Lake Creek Trailhead -The trail starts at the north end of the parking lot at the steel bridge crossing the Big Wood River. Across the river, follow the trail until it climbs up, away from the river and merges with an old road where you go right. Follow the road to a sign reading Fox Creek Trail. Turn left, following this trail until it merges with another road (stay right). Follow this road to another sign indicating Fox Creek Loop to the left. Mountain bikers should stay right and have to do the loop counter clockwise. Hikers/runners can go either direction. Going clockwise is good on cool mornings as the climb is in the sun. Going the counterclockwise, the climb is in the shade which is nice later in the day. From here the trail climbs, alternating through forests and sagebrush-covered hills (watch for the mountain bikers!). After 2.5 miles the trail climbs to the high point of the trail at 6,700 feet. From here descend down a series of switchbacks for 1 mile where you will reach Fox Creek Trail at the bottom of the canyon. Turn right and follow the trail as it descends down the canyon, crossing the creek on Forest Service bridges several times. This is a very fast section for mountain bikers, so stay aware. As the canyon nears the Big Wood River, follow the trail to the right. From here the trail makes its way along the river until it joins a dirt road. Follow the road south until you reach the start of the trail and then return to your car the way you came.
Misc. Information:
-This trail is among the most used trails around Ketchum with plenty of hikers and bikers. Bikers should keep in mind that counter-clockwise is the direction you want to go.
-Check conditions at nearby Snotel weather station (Chocolate Gulch) - Click on “Temperature - Last 7 days” or other links to get information on weather, etc.
-Google Earth view of Fox Creek Area & Griffin Butte
Comments
Been on this trail lately?
