Near Grand Ditch Trail
View of the mountains across the forest from the trail.
Near Grand Ditch Trail
Pearly Everlasting
Near Grand Ditch Trail
Star Gention
Near Grand Ditch Trail
Raspberry
Near Grand Ditch Trail
Ditch Camp with permission from Ed Ogle

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Hike Trail

Grand Ditch Trail

3.0 (2 Ratings)
A long, graded dirt road that parallels the Grand Ditch.
14.7
mi
Distance
26
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
14.74mi
Distance
26ft
Elevation Gain
151ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
10,316ft
High Point
10,179ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Grand Ditch is a nearly 15 mile long canal that was constructed in the late 1800s to divert water flowing out of the Never Summer Range. This trail, or rather dirt road, parallels the ditch for its entire length. The level and maintained nature of this trail make it easy to hike. That being said, accessing the Grand Ditch is generally a different Story. There are many trails that ascend to the Grand ditch including Ditch Road, the Red Mountain Trail, Stage Road Trail and Little Yellowstone Trail. All of these trails are steeper and more difficult trails than the easy Ditch Trail. All in all, this trail is made interesting by its historical significance, the views on offer along the way, and the engineering that went into creating this impressive water diversion system.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Brian Smith