Iron Bear to Miller Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

This route gives you an awesome taste of the east side of the Teanaway.

This loop is open to dirt bikes and mountain bikes. I've always found them courteous.

Easy to follow loop. Start at the Iron Creek Trail on FR9714 from Highway 97 and head up the switchbacks a little over 1.5 miles to the junction with Iron Bear Trail #1351 and Teanaway Ridge Trail #1364 . Hang a right and head north on Teanaway Ridge Trail #1364 to the summit of Iron Bear Peak. If you look north, you'll see Miller Peak, a later destination.

Once you've had your fill atop Iron Bear Peak, continue on the Teanaway Ridge Trail #1364 to a junction and bear left. You're now on the County Line Trail, which will take you along the ridge until you're skirting Miller Peak. At about 7.5 miles, you'll reach the junction with Miller Peak Trail. Hang a right if you want to summit Miller Peak (~6400'). From Miller Peak's summit, enjoy the view of Stuart and the Enchantments Peaks, as well as Navaho and Earl.

Drop back down from Miller Peak and continue right along Miller Peak Trail. You'll start dropping in elevation on a series of runnable switchbacks. Once you get lower into the valley, depending on the time of year, get ready for some creek crossings and wet feet.

At mile ~12.5, you'll reach the Miller Peak TH. Look for the Iron Bear Trail #1351 to the left and head up thataway. You'll gradually climb back up out of the valley and at ~16 miles, you'll hit the first junction you came to. Hopefully this looks familiar! Head back down Iron Creek Trail to the TH.

Lots of balsam root