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Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop
A connection of trails that can be hiked in short or longer segments.
Plan Around Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop Details
The Talking Trail and Paddock Creek Trails both cover a lot of ground, and run parallel in the northern section of the South Unit. Both are also divided into two sections when they intersect the Scenic Loop Drive. The trail to the east of the Scenic Loop Drive is regarded as the Upper section, and the trail to the west is the Lower section. On the eastern side of the Scenic Loop Drive, the Upper Paddock Creek Trail follows the creek bed on rugged terrain and near a valley where feral horses are often seen. The trail intersects the Painted Canyon Trail on the way to the southeast corner of the park, where it meets the Upper Talkington Trail. Upper Talkington Trail winds northwest through a prairie dog town before reaching the Scenic Loop Drive. If you would like to explore the four-mile Painted Canyon Loop, the trail begins at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center and connects to the Upper Paddock Creek Trail.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
15.4 miles
Estimated time
8-10 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop
Compare nearby parks around Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop while the map context is still fresh.
1.5 mi away
The Coal Vein Trail
This rail follows a coal vein that burned slowly from 1951 to 1977.
1.6 mi away
Ridgeline Nature Trail
A loop trail with a steep start and a panoramic reward.
2.0 mi away
Buck Hill Trail
A trail to the highest accessible point in the park.
2.4 mi away
Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek Trail
A connection of trails that can be hiked in short or longer segments.
2.5 mi away
Boicourt Overlook
One of the best views in the park, and a favorite at sunset.
