Red Dirt Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

The most commonly ridden section of this trail runs from the intersection with Saddle Trail down to the Red Dirt trailhead. Ridden this way, the trail climbs slightly more steeply than Saddle Trail, before descending all the way down to the trailhead. This trail is more technical than other trails in the area, with a few rocks breaking up generally smooth terrain up too, a rooty section through thick tree cover after that, then a steeper, rocky descent leading to a consistent grade with switchbacks and some loose soil to contend with, and finally a bench cut down to the trailhead.

Just after the trail starts to descend after leaving the Saddle Trail behind, you can take a right to follow this trail up towards the Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary. This is a consistent and challenging climb, with plenty of Aspens, Pine trees, wildflowers, and thick green vegetation along the trail to keep things interesting.

Parts of the trail are a bit chewed up from horses and rains, making it a little less pleasant than it could be, but overall, it's a nice challenging end to the larger Mad Creek / Red Dirt Loop. FYI: popular hunting trail in the fall.