Klondike Bluff Outer Loop
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Klondike Bluff Outer Loop
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The Klondike Bluffs Outer Loop is a great low-traffic trail just outside of Arches National Park. This route is primarily a mountain biking trail, so be sure to let bikes zip past you as you hike along. This trail is dog-friendly and a great way to explore the beauty of the desert with your four-legged friends. If you are looking for a great opportunity for exploration—The Klondike Bluffs Outer loop passes by the Dinosaur Stomping Grounds: a 2 acre expanse with over 2000 well-preserved dinosaur footprints!
Getting there
Turn off of highway 191 onto forest road 143, 4.8mi north of the Canyonlands Field Airport. Follow the road to the fork and take a right onto the Copper Ridge 4x4 Trail (if your vehicle cannot drive on this trail, there is the option to park at the fork). Follow this 4x4 trail for 0.7mi to the next parking lot.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | April to October |
| Pets allowed | Yes |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Lollipop |
Klondike Bluff Outer Loop
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Klondike Bluff Outer Loop Description
The Klondike Bluff Outer Loop is a beautiful single-track trail over slickrock and desert earth. This route is more popular as a mountain bike trail than a hiking trail but it still makes a great hike. While you are out, just be sure to stay to the side of the trail and let bikes pass you by. This is a long desert hike with no water sources on trail, so bring good sun protection and more water than you think you’ll need. The Klondike Bluff Outer Loop passes by the incredible Dinosaur Stomping Grounds—an area of land with over 2000 beautifully preserved dinosaur tracks. These footprints were likely left by Jurassic giants such as Dilophosaurus, a 20ft-long, 900 lb predator that lived approximately 193 million years ago!
From the trailhead, follow the Megasteps Trail for 3.1mi and look for the Dinosaur Stomping grounds on the north side of the trail about 1.8mi in. From the end of Megasteps, continue ahead to follow the Baby Steps 4×4 trail for 1.4mi to a divide. Take a right to follow the Little Salty trail south for 0.5mi then take a left to hop on the UFO trail. Follow UFO to the meet up with another 4×4 trail then take the second right down Baby Steps singletrack and Sidestep North. Take a right when you see the trail sign for EKG and follow EKG all the way back to Megasteps where you began.
The Klondike Bluff Outer Loop may seem confusing with all its twists and turns but don’t worry—this trail network is very well marked and well signed and you can always ask a friendly mountain biker or fellow hiker for help if you get turned about.
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