Harbor Bay Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

This is an out-and-back trail with two side loops. Hikeing the entire trail out and back going once around each side loop is a total of 8.5 miles. There is free parking in a lot at Harbor Bay next to the boat ramp. There is also a small parking lot at the other end of the trail.

There is a restroom building at the Harbor Bay trailhead. There are plenty of spots when the trail rises up higher that mobile phone coverage is available.

The two-thirds of the trail nearest Harbor Bay is more used and the trail is very well defined. The northern third of the trail has some spots that can be a little unclear where the trail goes in wetter summers when the plants grow more. On such summers, you'll likely end up with some scrapes on the shins from a few yuccas and other plants hanging over the trail.

Early morning summer hikers may encounter lots of spider webs across the trail if they're the first person on the trail for the day. But the spiders that build such trails are not black widows or brown recluses, so I just plow through and trust they'll jump off me.

There are some very lovely views on this trail, but it's technical enough and that you really need to stop hiking to take a look. The trail is easily ready for use the morning after a night rain. The water drains off well, and does not generally leave the trail muddy. There may be some water in a couple of the lowest washes, but it is easy to hop over.