(nr Eagle Nest NM)
Before leaving Cimarron Canyon, I took a hike up the mountain on a trail following Clear Creek. There were supposed to be a couple of waterfalls to see. Numerous cascades made the trek enjoyable; but, after an hour in, no falls of reasonable size were found.
Clear Creek
A rest and snack was had before heading back down. The tumbling water, rocks, aspens and pines made pleasant surroundings. All of that splendid nature was just for me; as I saw no one else on the trail until almost out of the woods.
Two drops in the creek
Cool, clear water
Since my legs held up, and I was feeling good, I anticipated another similar hike along Tolby Creek. But alas, that trail was closed May 15 thru July 31; I’m guessing due to birthing season for the elk herds in that area.
Trail in the forest
Clear Creek with side feeder
I checked out the Tolby Campground which didn’t seem as nice as Maverick where I stayed. Still, it was near to the headwaters of the Cimarron River. At that point, it was then a meandering stream with a mass of wildflowers.
Cimarron River Headwaters & Wildflowers
So then, it was on to the little mountain village of Eagle Nest for lunch and to my next camp at the lake.
Camp: Eagle Nest Lake SP drycamp
Scene: Creek, cascades, wildflowers
Hi. What side of the road did you start your Clear Creek trail? The parking lot side? Pretty pics.
The trail is on the south side of the road; can’t remember where I parked. Glad you liked the photos.
Thank you for your reply. I had went two years ago to clear creek but entered on the side where I could park my car and there is a big “Colin Neblett” sign. So I am guessing you entered the trail on the opposite side of the road
I will be there in March with my niece and nephews and think this is a good hike for them.
The “two drops in the creek” looks like a nice area where I can have the family take a break and sit down (if there is an area to sit nearby) and have sandwiches and snacks. Would you happen to recall how far in this area is?
Thanks
I believe the double drop was about two miles in.
The falls start after the steep hill just past the ‘double drop’ so you probably barely didn’t make it to them. There are two modest but gorgeous waterfalls of about 30 ft tall to the right of the trail (about a mile apart) after that.
Hi. It’s been a while. I just returned from Clear Creek trail at mile Marker 292. I parked at the big sign. I proceeded to the trail start that is parallel to the guard rail. The hike was harder than I had remembered. I did not see anything that looked like your beautiful photos. At the very least I went three miles in. There were a lot of trees down.
Not sure you were on the same path, as the trail pretty much follows the creek on up the hill. Andy said the big fall is beyond where I stopped.