Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 75 is open to hiking and horseback riding, but mechanized and motorized travel is prohibited.
Grant Creek Trail is a major travel route between the rim and the floor of Blue River Canyon. Along the way, it offers a good sampling of some of the best the Blue country has to offer, from lush alpine forests to deep red rock canyons. Trail access (via Foote Creek Trail - # 76) is located close to Hannagan Campground, which accounts for the fact that this is one of the most well-used trails on the District). But don't let that deter you. No trail on the Alpine District is really crowded.
Grant Creek Trail wanders among cool forests for its first few miles, before beginning to seriously slope toward the canyon. The upland part of the trail offers good opportunities to see wildlife as you walk quietly through the trees. Some just hike this section of the trail and return via the more rugged Grant Shortcut (# 306) and Upper Grant Creek (# 65) Trails to put together a day hike entirely within the cool confines of the forest.
As the gradient steepens, beyond Paradise Park, the forest becomes more open and views broaden. Panoramas of Blue River Canyon and the surrounding mountains form the horizon. The views of the mountains across the Blue and overlooks of the red rock formations along Grant Creek continue to improve as the trail follows a sloping ridge into the canyon. Long distance views then shrink as the horizon narrows, but you won't miss them as your attention turns to the natural sculptures of colorful red rocks that form the canyon walls here. These rugged formations set a photogenic contrast with the bright green of the box elders, narrow leaf cottonwoods, and Arizona sycamores that thrive in the moist, sheltered habitat. Also nestled between these walls are the pools and riffles of Grant Creek, which flows year-round. After providing a welcome opportunity to cool off, the trail stays with Grant Creek as the canyon broadens and continues toward the Blue.
Trail Log:
0.0 Trail terminus. Junction with Foote Creek Trail (# 76) at P-Bar Lake. Grant Creek Trail forks to the right, Foote Creek Trail forks to the left.
1.1 Trail switchback.
1.5 Junction with Grant Shortcut Trail (# 306). There is a gate at this point.
2.7 Junction with Paradise Trail (# 74).
4.1 Spur trail to the left to White Oak Spring. Grant Creek Trail continues straight and begins descending an arid ridge.
5.9 Trail crosses Grant Creek.
8.8 Gate near mouth of Grant Creek.
9.1 Trailhead adjacent to Blue River Road, Forest Road 281.
Drive 23 miles south on US 191 to the south end of Hannagan Meadow and turn left (east) of Forest Road 29A to the Steeple/Foote Creek Trailhead and parking lot. Access the Grant Creek Trail #75 via the Foote Creek Trail #76 to P-Bar Lake. Or, drive 3 miles east of Alpine on US 180 to Forest Road 281 (Blue River Road). Turn south and follow this scenic back road 26.5 miles to the Blue River Road trailhead for Grant Creek Trail.
Backcountry Access: Grant Creek is also accessible via Foote Creek Trail #76, Grant Cabin Shortcut Trail #306,Paradise Trail #74, and P-Bar Lake Trail #326.
