Butcher Ranch Trail

Description:

• Butcher Ranch Trail is a difficult 4 mile trail at an elevation of 6,200 feet. This trail follows the contour of Butcher Ranch Creek for 1.5 miles to the confluence of Butcher Ranch and Pauley Creeks. The Pauley Creek Trail begins here. Those continuing down the Butcher Ranch Trail will parallel Pauley Creek with its beautiful deep pools. The trail crosses Pauley Creek after another 2 miles and continues the final half-mile to the junction with Second and Third Divide Trails. This is particularly scenic trail, especially in July when the wildflowers are in bloom. Fishing in Butcher Ranch Creek is reported good to excellent. Backpackers will find sufficient campsites when exploring this area.

  There are several options for hiking in this area. Those who can arrange transportation may wish to hike from Butcher Ranch to the Second or Third Divide trailhead. Second Divide is the longer and more scenic of the two. For those returning to the Butcher-Ranch Trailhead, Pauley Creek Trail offers a scenic two-mile detour. Ambitious hikers may wish to follow the Butcher-Ranch Trail to the crossing of Pauley Creek and return via the same trail