The Foote Creek Trail (# 76) has recently been severely affected by post-Wallow Fire flooding for much of its length in late summer of 2011. The trail may be extremely difficult to follow, or become completely obliterated in some areas. It may be preferable to follow another route until work may be completed to restore the trail to normal conditions.
Foote Creek Trail (# 76) follows one of the most prominent side drainages of the Blue River as it takes you all the way from canyon rim to canyon floor.
Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, Foote Creek Trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but all mechanized and motorized travel is prohibited.
Foote Creek follows one of the most prominent side drainages of the Blue River as it takes you all the way From canyon rim to canyon floor. This long and scenic path sets out from the same trailhead as Steeple Mesa Trail, near Hannagan Administrative Camp. It follows an old logging road, more or less, for about 4 or 5 miles as it meanders along the ridge top under a cool canopy of spruce, fir and aspen. If you keep a sharp eye out here and stay quiet, you have a good chance of seeing some of the resident wildlife grazing in the hidden meadows.
About a half mile beyond the trail's junction with Grant Creek Trail (# 75) at P-Bar Lake, things begin to change. The road narrows to a path, and turns to follow what are the upper reaches of Foote Creek. The path accompanies the creek into a steadily deepening gorge until the going gets too tight. At this point, there's a short detour over a steep saddle to avoid a narrow stretch in the canyon. The climb avoids the obstruction and provides a good view of Castle Rock standing tall and picturesque to the north.
After this short diversion, the trail leads back down into the canyon, crossing and re-crossing the rocky streambed past a junction with Horse Ridge Trail (# 38) and on to some more great views. Steep red rock cliffs mark the entry of Foote Creek's Right Fork into the main drainage. Tutt Creek Trail (# 105) branches off at this point. A couple of miles downstream, Foote Creek trail leaves the canyon and heads for high ground to the north of the drainage. This route provides easier going, skirting the southern slopes of Foote Creek Mesa where the hiker is once again rewarded with long distance vistas of scenic Blue River Canyon. For the remaining mile the trail continues to offer good views as it makes the final drop into Blue River Canyon at the Blue Administrative Camp.
Trail Log:
0.0 Trailhead parking.
3.5 P-Bar Lake.
3.6 Junction with Grant Creek Trail (# 75).
9.5 Junction with Horse Ridge Trail (# 38).
11.0 Junction with Tutt Creek Trail (# 105) -old wood corral to the right.
15.3 Blue River Road-Blue Camp Trailhead Parking area.
From the town of Alpine, drive 23 miles south on US 191 to the southern end of Hannagan Meadow and turn left (east) on Forest Road 29A (accross from Hannagan Campground) to the Steeple Creek Trailhead and parking lot.
For lower (Blue River) access: Drive Forest Road 281 for 22.7 miles to Blue Administrative site and trailhead on right (west).
Backcountry Access: Foote Creek Trail #76 is accessible via Horse Ridge Trail #38, Tutt Creek Trail #105, and P-Bar Lake Trail #326.
