Name: Vega Creek Trail (164)
Rating: 3.0

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This is a multi-use trail that is open to pedestrians, mountain bikers, equestrians, and motorcycles.

Conditions change rapidly with weather events and during spring runoff. Check with the Monticello Ranger District for updated information.

Please Respect and Protect archaeological sites: Stay on trail, help prevent damage. Don’t move artifacts, let everyone enjoy the discovery. Stay out of ancient buildings and off walls, they are fragile! Report looting and vandalism: 1 800 722 3998

Description

From North Cottonwood Road (192), the trail heads south along a dry roadbed. The first few miles are spent doggedly paralleling North Cottonwood Creek as the road cuts through several drainages and washes. A road trace just before a lone building marks the intersection with the Hop Creek Trail (022).

As the trail continues, the surrounding canyons slowly become less arid as more green fades in. Ahead, two steep switchbacks and a rocky drainage-crossing precede the intersection with the steep Reservoir Canyon Trail (008). From here, the trail narrows into singletrack.

A bit further on, the face of an eroding bluff has deposited boulders near a large confluence. The trail heads right around the bluff to follow the banks of Vega Creek. Over the next few miles, the singletrack continues to gently wind up the canyon to a nice grove of ponderosa pine.

The trees offer some welcome shade and signal a slightly steeper section ahead. After rounding this bluff, the trail closely follows a steam-bed through thick vegetation. This section continues for about 1.5 miles until the trees recede into a three-way intersection.

Follow a road trace to the left as it leads to the end of the trail at Causeway Road (095) between the Chippean Rocks.