Palisades Creek Trail
A shaded trail follows Palisades Creek beneath steep limestone and forest before reaching Lower and Upper Palisades lakes in grizzly country.
Artwork inspired by Archie Teater
The lower trail’s moderate grade can disguise the full commitment. Lower Palisades Lake is already a substantial day hike; Upper Palisades extends distance and elevation considerably. Creek crossings, avalanche debris, horse use, and seasonal snow alter pace, while canyon walls provide habitat for raptors and large mammals.
Carry bear spray where legal and accessible, know how to use it, keep food controlled, and make noise in limited visibility. Start from the exact trailhead, not a creek map pin. Turnaround discipline matters because the gentler outbound grade can leave tired hikers far from the vehicle late in the day.
- Route
- Palisades Creek canyon
- Destinations
- Lower and Upper lakes
- Allow
- Full day
Quick guide
- Choose
- Lower or Upper Lake objective
- Carry
- Bear spray and real turnaround plan
Route logic for Palisades Creek Trail
- Opening question
- Use commit to Lower Lake, Upper Lake, or an earlier turnaround.
- Choose
- Compare carry bear spray, layers, water treatment, and navigation.
- System at work
- Trace yield correctly to horses and keep dogs controlled.
- Conditions check
- Use time and energy, not the lake photo.
Good to know
Upper Lake is not a casual extension of Lower Lake. Verify current distance, snow, crossings, wildlife notices, and trailhead access with the Forest Service; cell service is unreliable and rescue is not immediate.
Notice these
- Palisades Creek canyon
- Lower and Upper lakes
- Carry bear spray, layers, water treatment, and navigation.