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Little Elk Creek Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.2 (5)
  1. Areas
  2. ID
  3. …Eastern Idaho
  4. …Targhee National Forest
  5. Palisades Creek Canyon and Big Elk Creek
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“This is a very demanding trail and is only for the experienced hiker. ”

James Park
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4.0

Miles

6.4

KM

Point to Point

9,144' 2,787 m

High

5,973' 1,820 m

Low

3,171' 967 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

52%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

No official closures, but spring runoff can make the trail unable to be passed as you cross the creek multiple times at the beginning of the trail and at one point essentially work your way up the creek bed.

Description

This trail is 99.9% uphill all the way in, so there really isn't a nice break in the type of hiking you are doing. It's either all uphill on the way out and all downhill on the way back to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

We saw lots of different types of birds, a moose, and saw tracks for what looked like a bobcat (but we could be mistaken on that).

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Caribou & Targhee National Forests Office

Shared By:

James Park
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#8

in Palisades Creek Canyon and Big Elk Creek

#11351

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#8

in Palisades Creek Canyon…

#488

in Idaho

#11,351

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,103 Since Oct 20, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
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20%
Add a Photo

Photos

Looking down into Waterfall Canyon as you head down the switchbacks to connect to Austin Canyon
Aug 18, 2021 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
At the top of the ridge, this is looking toward Palisade Waterfall and Upper Palisade Lake (just around the turn in the canyon).
Jul 1, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Waterfall Canyon to the North before dropping down heading towards Austin Canyon.
Jul 30, 2021 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
The approach to Mt. Baird traverses rugged terrain.
Jul 1, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
There's a nice flat spot to camp just downhill of the ridge looking toward Sheep Creek Peak.
Jul 1, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
This is a look at the east side of Sheep Creek Peak.
Jul 1, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jun 30, 2017
James Park
4mi

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