Hiking
and Mountain Biking Trail #5
Elk Park Trail
Type: Loop Rating:
Advanced Length: 18 miles Riding
Time: 3-4 hours
Directions:
From Vernal, head north on US 191/UT44. At the junction for
the Flaming Gorge Dam, continue on UT 44 to the Deep Creek turnoff
9FS 539), located between mileposts 11 and 12. From Manila,
FS 539 is 16 miles south on UT 44. The trailhead is located
2 miles down the Deep Creek Road at Elk Park. Pedal west down
the Deep Creek Road, through the campground, and across Carter
Creek. The trail here climbs for about 2.5 miles to the junction
with FS 221, signed for Spirit Lake, Browne Lake, and Sheep
Creek Lake. Follow this dirt double-track road for 1.5 miles
to FS5. Turn left of this trail, climbing up to the lookout
tower on Ute Mountain.
On the south side of the tower, ride down the single-track trail
signed Ute Mountain Trail 005. Follow the trail through the
meadow ahead to the fence line bordering Browne Lake. Follow
the fence line briefly (50 yds.) then cross the meadow on the
single track. The trail here is vague. Look for posts, tree
blazes, and diamonds marking the route. The trail then parallels
Carter Creek. After about a mile, stay right at the junction
for Lost Spring Trail (FS 007), and continue straight to Youngs
Spring Park. Ahead you will probably need to carry your bike
up the short, but steep, Icy Hill Dugway. Take an immediate
left for Young Spring and climb the short hill to the junction
for Old Carter Trail #016. Head east, following posts for FT
016. This trail intersects Trail #014, but stay on #016 on the
ride side of the meadow. Continue on the rough trail to a faint
junction signed for South Elk Park, Elk Prk, Old Carter Trail,
and Young Spring. Turn left on the single-track trail, cross
the East Fork of Deep Creek ahead, and push your bike up the
steep hill to the 4WD road. In the meadow ahead, take a right,
than a left (carsonite post here), and follow the trail back
to your vehicle. |
