Little Bear

Approach

Drive east on US-89a past the parking lot for Sandy Seep/Heart Trail and also past Silver Saddle road.....

Just past mile post 323 is "Elden Springs Road" or FR556. Travel north on this road for 2.5 miles to the well established parking area.

Hike northeast (.3 miles) to the Little Elden Trail then north (.9 miles) to the signed trailhead for "Little Bear".

Route Description

A moderate ascent up the North side of Elden....about 3.5 miles to junction. Takes you into the "inner basin" of Elden where you can catch the Sunset Trail west, passing the Heart Trailhead and eventually connecting with the ever popular "Lookout Tower" trailhead.

The switchbacks are much gentler than the other routes; very few (if any) people to clutter the trail. This cooler north side of Elden is heavily forested and shady...very nice summer hiking....

A much longer hike to summit Elden, but perhaps more forgiving on the heart and lungs than Eldon Lookout Trail.

Essential Gear

Just your hiking basics....

Crampons might be useful in snow, given there are some vertical drops along several points on the trail.

Seemed to be an abundant supply of horsefiles (also an Equine trail) so bring some repellent....

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.