Red Elephant Mine Trail

This challenging off-highway vehicle trail is about 8 miles long. Beginning near the top of Round Mountain, the first section of the trail winds around 2 wildlife watering ponds. A steep downhill section leads to a narrow ridge top, overlooking grasslands and streams leading to Hunting Creek. The trail continues to a challenging stream crossing, then back up a narrow cross-hill section to a series of clifftop switchbacks. From the switchbacks, a rider can see the site of the old Red Elephant Mine and view eagles and other raptors as they fish the creeks. The trail continues through large cypress and manzanita forests and across grass-covered meadows to Knoxville Road. The scenery and weather in the area vary dramatically with the seasons. In winter and spring, grasses and flowers are vibrant; in summer, the region is extremely hot and dry.