Red Elephant Hill, Mill Creek Loop

Total Miles
9.2

Elevation

3,301.06 ft

Duration

4.5 Hours

Technical Rating

6

Difficult

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

You will definitely want to check out Empire Hilton cabin along the route of this trail. It is first come, first serve, so get there early if you want to use it. Be respectful and pack out trash. The route begins as a country road that passes through private property. Open all year.

Photos of Red Elephant Hill, Mill Creek Loop

Red Elephant Hill, Mill Creek Loop
Red Elephant Hill, Mill Creek Loop

Difficulty

Difficult. Red Elephant Hill is narrow, steep and tippy in places. Mill Creek Loop is rocky. Aggressive, highclearance SUVs can do it.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

Thurman Mcdonald
Jul 13, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
trail is rated as a 6, dont let that fool you it is closer to an 8. if you dont at least have a rear locker and a winch I would think twice
Brendon Forbes
Jul 05, 2024
2024 Polaris Ranger 1000
Open
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Definitely alot of big rocks. wouldn't use a fullsize truck unless looking to lose some paint. I'd recommend a winch and lockers as their are some tricky spots that require the line and good traction
Danger Ranger
Jun 28, 2024
1998 Ford Ranger
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
The "stick" of the lollipop (section between 70 and Mill Creek Loop), Red Elephant Hill, was very difficult without lockers. I got stuck and had to winch myself up once on the way up, and had to winch myself *down* the hill on the way out 3 times due to getting hung up on rocks with my underbody.The Mill Creek loop section was much easier but still had some challenging bits. Also more beautiful, featuring dense pine, aspens, and meadow with wildflowers and views of surrounding peaks. In total from airing down right off I70 to airing back up in the same spot, it took me from noon until 6pm to complete the trail.
Shawn S
Jun 08, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated

Access Description

From north side of Downieville, Exit 234, take frontage road west 1.2 miles. As you pass under the freeway a second time, look immediately to the right for start of trail.

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