Eagle's Nest Trail 111

Dogs Off-leash

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The Eagles Nest Trail is divided into three parts. The lower section is the most popular and is usually traveled in combination with the forest service road. The middle section is rougher than the lower section and also requires some steeper climbs. The upper section is remote and very rugged.

Upper Section: Mile 0 to 5
The upper section is best accessed from FS497 or a combination of other trails near Warm Lake. This section is the most demanding and remote of all the sections and does not see a lot of usage.

Middle Section: Mile 5 to 8.5
The Middle Section of the trail goes from the first road junction on FS400 to the second road junction with FS400. The middle section can be done as an out and back or the trail can be accessed by using the FS400 road. As an out and back you'll have a steep and slighly loose climb to a summit followed by a descent down the backside to FS400.

Starting from the top of the middle section using FS400 will result in climbing a moderate grade to the summit in thick tree cover. The climb from the road is rooty and rocky and can be wet as you climb up towards the summit. Once at the summit the trail leaves the thicker tree cover and will become sandier and looser and then will be steep and loose as you descend back to FS400.

Lower Section: Mile 8.5 to 14
The lower section begins with the junction of FS400 and takes you down to the parking lot. This is the most popular section and will have the most hikers. From FS400 there is a short climb and then you'll head into a moderate descent across the ridge and with a quick burst up another hill you begin the steep downhill. As you come upon the sight of a dirt road you'll hit a short, moderately difficult section and a steep ascent.

This was your final burst uphill. Now you'll cruise downhill through lots of overgrowth and fun turns with a couple of exciting drops. You'll drop into a short 0.1 mile section of road, don't miss the trail sign back to the right and you'll make your way into the valley and do a short flat section back to the car.

Note: Many people make a loop climbing up 2.5 miles of highway 55 and turning left at rd. #400.