North Cottonwood Loop

From the parking lot, the trail heads along the fence line eventually crossing North Cottonwood Creek. About a mile in, you peel away from the North Cottonwood Creek Access Trail #546 and switchback uphill. Turn around to catch the views.Once you gain the top of the hill, the trail evens out and rolls along the edge of the steep hill. You pass through mature coniferous forest, that provides some lovely views. Eventually, the creek rises up to meet the trail, and you arrive at the intersection of North Cottonwood Creek Trail #545, North Cottonwood Low Elevation Connector.From here, turn around and head back the way you came. The North Cottonwood Low Elevation Connector no longer connects back to the main trail.