Mitchell Canyon-Deer Flat-Back Creek Loop

Rating: Strenuous 

Trailhead: Mitchell Canyon

 Trail Statistics: A 8.1 mile hike with a 1600 foot elevation gain. Follow Mitchell Canyon trail to Deer Flat, turn left (east) at the junction and continue steeply up to Murchio Gap.  At Murchio Gap, descend on the Back Creek Trail to the Coulter Pine trail.  Turn left (west) and follow the Coulter Pine Trail back to the trailhead.

 Description: Just about everything the mountain park has to offer: lush wildflower-strewn meadows, narrow canyons with characteristic streamside vegetation, magnificent groves of Coulter pines, some of the greatest birding areas, rugged mountain scenery, and endless sun-swept panoramas. An alternate return would be along the Eagle Peak Trail which traverses along the top of a high ridge line.