How to Find It: Google the address above. Hike to the sign that says “Kelly Mountain Tr. 289.” No motor vehicles allowed after the gate for this trail.

Distance: 3.8 miles “loop” (kind of—there’s a loop at the top, but after the loop you’ll go back the way you came – it’s about half-and-half. I’d consider this an out-and-back & loop)

Difficulty: Moderate (incline but not treacherous – a little bit of up and down but mostly it’s up one way and then down the way back)

Bathrooms: at the beginning of the trailhead by the parking lot – go early because this parking lot fills fast. Many like to ride 4-wheelers & side-by-sides in this area

You hike up a steady incline. The part of the trail that is parallel and looks unnecessary on the map is a switch back and a somewhat steeper part of the trail and it gets steeper after that (but it’s really not horrible). The loop part of the trail is mostly flat and goes around the hill and then you head back down the way you came. We didn’t hike this entire trail because we had many adventure plans that day but we’ll have to go back to see the top of the hill. The views are supposed to be even more beautiful during the loop part than the ones we saw.

This is in the wild mountains. This hike had a little more wildlife energy than expected. I’m pretty sure we heard a mountain lion on this hike. On the way down, I realized I’d left my sunglasses way up the hill. Cute enough to go back for, so I headed up alone while my husband stayed with the kids to finish the trail. I ran up the hill – a great cardio day – and then headed back down once I retrieved my sunglasses. I decided to blast my music to deter bears and also it was kind of fun to have a little dance party to myself. When I went into the more shaded area, I heard growls over my blasting music. I had a bad feeling, so I cranked my music loud, singing along to deter any bears, while watching the trees. The growling moved back and forth, like a cat pacing. Yikes. Eventually it seemed to walk away—or maybe I just reached a switchback steep enough that it became far enough away.

When I arrived back at the car, my husband had mentioned he had heard weird bird noises and had studied that Mountain Lions will make bird noises to attract prey. He thought it sounded like that and figured it was a mountain lion. He got the kids close to him and they hurried down the hill. I then told him my story. We heard the mountain lion at different times but in the exact same spot. Definitely a “heart-thumping” moment. If that scares you enough to stay away, that’s understandable. But know that you can find mountain lions in town from time-to-time. They don’t care where they find food. 

Keep your children close on this hike – mountain lions will take them as easy prey if you give them the distance.

• Wildflowers: So many along the trail—don’t pick them so everyone can enjoy.
• Rattlesnakes: They’ve been spotted here, but our group is loud enough we never see any.
• Shade: Lots of tree cover in parts, less in others.
• Bear country – bring bear spray and know how to use it!

Keep this trail beautiful for everyone!

See our experience below.

• Big Jud’s Express at Kelly Canyon Lodge
• Farmhouse Table @ 7N Ranch Resort
• Heise Pizza