3 Ponds Trail Loop(edit)

Overview

Moderate trail along old ranch roads. A good winter hike. Interesting geology in a fast-eroding area with many cliffs and slides. The trail follows Bear Creek, crossing it in about 2/3 of a mile and then continues on the west side of the creek. In the bowl where Craig Creek meets Bear Creek, there's a fork to the right that goes up Craig Canyon and then along a ridge south of Thompson Canyon. The trail loops back along ridges, into Thompson Canyon and ends up crossing a low pass back into the bowl.

There are many old ranch roads in the area, so make sure you don't take a wrong turning.

Getting Started

Park at Cowboy Camp on State Route 16 about a mile south of the junction with State Route 20. The trail starts at the south end of the horse camp which is just south of the main parking area. Go to tuleyome.org to download trail maps and find out more about this area.

Taking Children

Easy trail, no drop offs. But check the kids for ticks. Crossing Bear Creek may be difficult if there's a high flow after a storm. Go to water.usgs.gov/waternow to check the flow at the High Bridge gaging station a few miles downstream. The site number is 11451715. Below 20 cfs should be ok.