​​In The Shadow of Longs Peak

Miller Creek Loop

06 August 2006

Today started out gray and overcast so for my hike I decided to do the complete Miller Branch Creek Loop as a hike in the trees might be a better choice than one above tree-line.

This hike starts out at the Bulwark Ridge Trailhead east of Glen Haven and shares a parking area with the Dunraven Trail Head.

From the parking lot, hike up the road to the official trailhead, then hike steeply uphill on a well-defined trail for a mile to an intersection.  North will take you to Signal Mountain; east is the Indian Trail which takes up steeply downhill for a mile to Miller Creek, a lush lovely creek bottom with an open meadow. 

Previously I have turned north and eventually came to a sign pointing to Donner Pass but today I turn south.  The trail is a bit undefined but there is a good log at the point where the trail crosses the creek.  The trail follows the creek for another half mile or so at which point you come to another creek crossing where there is another plank crossing though it’s a bit harder to find. 

Once across the creek one can see another intersection.  This one points to Donner Pass and the Miller Branch Trailhead and turn toward Donner Pass.  This is a delightful stroll, a bit uphill in the beginning, but mostly a long traverse. 

Continue north along a well defined trail and eventually you will cross yet another stream and you will begin the descent back down to Miller Creek and then the long trudge back uphill. 

This is in general a fun hike, definitely a good workout and away from the crowds…I was the solitary hike both times I’ve done this hike.