Upper Dark Horse Trail

Upper Dark Horse Trail is a 1-mile out-and-back from the Miner’s Point junction to a signed east-rim viewpoint. The named branch is about 0.5 mile each way on smooth dirt doubletrack; it drops around 100 feet to the end, so you climb that back out. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the spur and the view. It’s a tidy add-on if you’re already exploring the east-rim trail network. The mile here doesn’t include the longer approach to the junction.

From Miner’s Point, take the branch for Upper Dark Horse. At roughly 0.2 mile, Cable Line splits left; stay right. A sign marks the end at a southwest-facing canyon view. Turn around there. Cable Line and Miner’s Point are separate branches, not part of this 1-mile walk.

The main mixed-use trailhead is one mile south of the entrance station. Follow the system’s junction maps to Miner’s Point; the spur starts there, so add the network approach to your outing. Hikers share these tracks with bikers. The east-rim system is remote, with basic route-finding required and spotty cell reception. Dogs are allowed on leash at all times, and park entry requires a per-vehicle day-use fee.