Pocatello's City Creek Management Area Trail System

The delightful city of Pocatello sits nestled in Southeastern Idaho's charming Portneuf Valley. Pocatello is home to a variety of in-town trails, as well as an entire trail system (CCMA) that is nestled within the public land that sits as part of the surrounding foothills. The City Creek Management Area Trail System (CCMA) is optimal for opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while discovering new places and venturing to destinations to enjoy.

Pocatello's City Creek Management Area Trail System is well known for its utilization for area exploration and for many adventurers who appreciate the opportunity to journey to new places. Whether you're taking a break, learning more about the area, trying something new, heading out on a whim, or for every other reason there may be to venture out to the trails, there is a multitude of options when it comes to trail types and skill levels offered. Discovering the trails that you enjoy most, trails you never knew existed, and trails that lead you to some of Idaho's most incredible scenery, are a few reasons that make the city of Pocatello and it's surrounding areas a great place to call home. There is so much to do in and around the city of Pocatello; the trails are simply a fraction of all the area activities, amenities, and entertainment options to keep the calendar full year-round. 

City Creek Management Area Trail System  

As there are various types of trails, a brief explanation of the trail types may help figure out where to go first, as well as possibly helping you decide on a trail that you think you'd enjoy most. It's up to you and how you define what makes up a great day. Ultimately, deciding what you want to accomplish throughout the day is a great place to start, as it is going to be a good indication of which trails are going to be optimal for accomplishing your set out goals and having an overall rewarding experience.

As always, when you're traveling on the trails, pathways, tracks, or roads take caution and be courteous of those around you, including private landowners as some trails cross private land. Stay on the trails, and if the trails are wet, avoid the trails altogether, at least until they've had a chance to become dry again. Staying off the trails when they are wet will ideally help keep the trails intact and avoid any further damage to the trails such as ruts. Share the trails and when possible announce that you're going to pass. Downhillers yield to up-hillers, and please slow down anytime there are people or any creatures on the trail. All skill levels require staying alert to the surroundings and taking caution.

As some of these trails stretch further away from the city, the trails may provide opportunities to come across area wildlife that may otherwise avoid or limit increased exposure to human presence. 

There are many additional trails within the city of Pocatello, so to limit confusion, the following brief summary covers only the City of Pocatello Park & Recreation - City Creek Management Area Trail System. 

City Creek Management Area Trail System - Definitions

When referring to a track or a trail, this would generally be defined as some unpaved pathsas well as gravel roads that may or may not have ruts and rocks. Other things to consider may include trail unevenness, some water accumulation, twigs, leaves, and other debris that has the potential to make travel more difficult. 

When referring to a road, the pathway width is typically 72" or more and boasts a grade increase on average of 5% to 10% maximum with traditionally no obstacles or technical features. 

There are various trails use designations within the City Creek Management Area Trail System, including hiking (or similar), equestrian, mountain biking, motorcycle, ATV, and 4x4 use. 

City Creek Management Area Trail System - Skill Levels

Easy - These trails boast a 36" width or more and on average a grade of 5% - 15% maximum, with unavoidable obstacles less than 2" tall.  

Intermediate - These trails boast a 24" width or more and on average a grade of 10% - 15% maximum, with unavoidable obstacles less than 8" tall.  

Difficult - These trails boast a 12" width or more and on average a grade of 15%, with unavoidable obstacles less than 15" tall. 

Extremely Difficult - These trails boast a 6" width or more and on average a grade of 20% with unavoidable obstacles more than 15" tall. 

City Creek Management Area Trail System

Bench Trail - 1.21 miles, non-motorized single/double trail

Skill Level: Easy

Features: This trail can be rocky or rutty. This trail may be used as an alternative to the City Creek Trail "Up the Gut" section. 

Black Cairn - 1.37 miles, multi-use motorized single/double track 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: From the top of the Outlaw Trail this single track can get fast. Be sure to check your breaks before heading up or down this trail. 

Bump Trail - 0.65 miles, main single track connector

Skill Level: Easy

Features: Connects to Cusick Creek.

Burrito - 0.71 miles, single track side loop

Skill Level: Easy

Features: Loops around the Death Valley Track.

City Creek/Kinport Road - 5.38 miles, road/trail 

Skill Level: Easy

Features: Accesses Kinport Peak.

City Creek Trail - 2.75 miles

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: Along City Creek.

Cone - 1.13 miles, connector, non-motorized single/double track

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: Flower-filled (seasonal).

Cusick Creek Road - 3.72 miles, multi-use motorized double

Skill Level: Difficult

Death Valley - 1.08 miles, single track

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: Challenging, up a small ravine.

The Grove - 0.80 miles, technical single track

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: Technical. Trail runs through an Aspen Grove.

Lichen - 0.39 miles, single track for hiking & biking

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: Flowers (seasonal).

Lower City Creek Trail - 2.75 miles 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: This trail boasts some rocks and obstacles. There are also steep upgrades. 

Mushroom - 0.87 miles, tough single track

Skill Level: Difficult

Features: This trail may be used as an alternative to the last mile of the Upper City Creek Trail.

North Fork - 1.92 miles, multi-use motorized double-track route

Skill Level: Easy

Features: This route features mostly BLM land.

Over the Top - 3.77 miles, non-motorized single/double track

Skill Level: Extreme Difficult

Features: This track features challenging climbs along with switchbacks and scenic views. 

Prison Trail - 0.69 miles, single track

Skill Level: Easy

Features: This track features a steep section near Death Valley crossing. 

Scout - 0.34 miles

Skill Level: Easy

Serengeti - 1.23 miles, a combination of single/double track

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

Features: This track travels through sensitive wildlife habitat, take caution to tread lightly.

Sullivan's - 1.20 miles, technical single track

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: Scenic trail.

Switchback - 1.55 miles, single/double track

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: Climbing.

Upper City Creek Trail - 1.54 miles

Skill Level: Intermediate

Features: This trail boasts some rocks, roots, and obstacles. There are also steep upgrades. 

911 & Lifeflight - 0.76 miles, 911-downhill only, non-motorized single/double track

Skill Level: Intermediate/Easy

Features: Lifelight may be used as an alternative to 911 which is Intermediate and downhill only.

For more information check out the City of Pocatello Park & Recreation - City Creek Management Area Trail System Guide or consult Pocatello Park & Rec.

Sources: 

https://www.pocatello.us/DocumentCenter/View/404/City-Creek-Management-Area-Trail-System-Map-Brochure---8x14-PDF?bidId=

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