White Oaks Trail (T.217)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Wildlife

From its southern end at Junction D, this trail ascends the Sitting Bull Canyon with steep gradients up to 25% and meets Junction E and T.215 Overlook Trail. T.217 continues west down Forest Service Road 525. Look for a sign to turn right on a road heading back north. At the top of the ridge, an old homestead rock wall and fireplace can be seen, but the trail does not pass nearby. On the north side of the hill, be careful and watch for the trail to descend into the narrow canyon below to meet White Oaks Spring. A few cairns mark the junction but the path remains on the right/east side of the creek and empties into a perennial stream in Last Chance Canyon.

T.217 winds through a fine stand of mature oaks, along with some alligator juniper and madrone. Typical semi-desert vegetation includes red-barked madrone that can be the size of a large shrub or small tree. Much of the canyon walls and tableland have lost their trees.