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COYOTE GREEN BELT TRAILS
This series of trails makes use of 3 green belts (Deer, Elk, Bear)
connected at the West end by the Coyote trail. Deer's trail head is behind
the Valley Market marked by a sign. Elk's and Bear's trail heads are south
from Deer and marked by signs visible from route 434. These trails are well
marked and friendly for hiking, biking, snowshoes, and x-country skiing.
Alpine wildflowers, Aspen,
and many varieties of grasses are abundant on all of the trails, old
structures from the ranching days are visible, and Deer, Coyote, Elk & an
occasional Bear are visitors around Dawn & Dusk.
Deer Trail starts at the trail head and follows a series of Cairns (rock piles)
down the center of the meadow, intersects an old logging road which is
followed until a sign directs you into the woods. The woods trail is marked
with red diamonds on trees and is kept clear of dead fall. Passing through several
meadows the trail meets "Via Del Rey" .
Coyote Trail starts at the Via Del Rey intersection with Valle Grande
Trail North. The trail is primarily in the woods with mostly gentle grade
until leaving the woods at Elk meadow. To continue on Coyote take a right
turn till reaching the Coyote sign. At this point you will cross a bridge and
again enter the woods. Follow the Cairns and red diamonds over moderate ups
& downs until reaching several signs and another bridge. The trail
splits, but both terminate on Bear meadow. Bear Short is the shorter and
easiest of the alternatives.
Elk & Bear Trails follow old grassy logging roads on the edge of
wide meadows. Streams meander down the center of both and several cattle
ponds and dams are visible. Both are easy hikes and are the best place to see
wildlife at Dawn & Dusk. The Vistas of the Ski mountain are also
beautiful.
Trail description and map contributed by Frank Young.
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