Palisades Indian Creek

Total Miles19.8
Technical Rating
10Extreme
Best TimeSummer, Fall
Trail TypeSingle Track
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

This route has amazing views while you ride along two forks of a creek that enter Palisades after their confluence towards the trailhead. The route takes the rider from 5,800 to 9,400 feet while crossing and riding in the creek. On the southern side, the route is only 5 miles from the Hoback, a very well-known white river rafting site in the area. The views are amazing as the route snakes through the creek with huge peaks all around. While riding, make sure to watch for waterfalls and wildlife, as the area is known for large elk and moose. If you're riding during the wetter season, the North Fork of Indian Creek is very slippery but extremely green even into the later summer months. This route is best ridden after July 4th and even into mid-July if it is a heavy winter and cold spring, otherwise the rider may be stopped by snow.

Photos of Palisades Indian Creek

Difficulty

Lots of boulder fields especially with new washes formed across the trail after flooding in the area in the summer of 2022. There are also multiple exposed switchbacks. Don't let the difficulty hold you back. This one is worth the challenge.

Technical Rating

10

Status Reports

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Jon H
Jul 17, 2026
2022 KTM 300
Open
Normal
Great conditions, great trail. Trail is not a 10/10 difficulty, more like a 5/10. There are a couple of challenging parts, but trail is very ridable. Pause a few times to enjoy the views. Don’t be intimidated by the rating, come give it a ride, and you’ll be glad you did.
ride
Jun 26, 2026
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Trail from the south side was good. Sheep herder was up in there. Got to the top of the meadows and there were snow drifts across the top of the hill making it difficult to complete the full loop. We turned around and went back.
tj baker
Sep 02, 2024
2020 Husqvarna TE300I
Open
NormalDusty
Super rocky and technical at beginning and end but fun flowy meadows in the upper elevations. Will close September 15
Nick Plahn
Aug 19, 2024
Open
Normal
This trail is difficult but not impossible. we are intermediate riders and completed the loop in just over 4 hours taking breaks to rest after some of the most challenging portions. Running south to north worked well for us. Water crossings were low in August and no waterfalls were seen. We had a mix of trail, moto and big 2 stroke bikes. would recommend this trail and encourage people on the fence to just run it.
Travis Briscoe
Aug 26, 2023
Open
Normal

Palisades Indian Creek Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track

Palisades Indian Creek Map

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