Basalt Mountain Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

Basalt Mountain Trail is part of a larger loop which includes the Cattle Creek Trail. Some call it the Big Loop (at Basalt Mountain). Getting up to this high elevation climbing traverse requires a long drive up Basalt Mt. Road (Forest Route 524). Once you reach the trailhead, you're rewarded with a beautiful hike through alternating dense forest & grassy meadows that gives you the feeling that you're really up & out there.

The trail can be overgrown in the meadows, but it's easy to stay on track. You'll find more rock on this trail than most other areas in the RFV. The basalt lava rock encountered is more often solid than loose.

You'll pass through many different types of forest. Along the way expect to see many different bird species, and possibly deer, elk, and black bear. Additionally, the wildflowers in this area can be epic during the peak summer months.