Sage Steppe Loop

Sage Steppe Loop is an easy 1.2-mile circuit from Strawberry Creek Trailhead through open meadow and along Strawberry Creek before returning to the same parking area. The park lists it at 1.1 miles, but the mapped tread and a detailed walk measurement both come out near 1.2, so plan for the longer figure. Allow 30–90 minutes for roughly 250 feet of climbing. It is a good fit if you want a short creekside walk without taking on the much longer Upper Strawberry hike.

The north and south sides are about the same length and difficulty, so either direction works. On the open meadow side, the tread heads toward the junction with Upper Strawberry. Follow the loop back there; Upper Strawberry continues separately toward a saddle and turns this short circuit into a much longer hike. The creekside half passes several crossings on footbridges. Pause on the bridges and look into the water: this is where you may spot native Bonneville cutthroat trout.

The 2016 Strawberry Fire burned more than 4,700 acres in the canyon and hampered efforts to restore Bonneville cutthroat trout. Much of this loop crosses open meadow with little shade. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers a high-elevation walk near water, and fall adds aspen color and the elk rut. Early morning in fall can be rewarding for elk bugling; keep more than 150 feet from elk, which can be unpredictable during the rut.

Start at Strawberry Creek Trailhead at the end of Strawberry Creek Road. Use the designated spaces only; parking along the road is prohibited. There is no potable water along the road, and the nearest pit toilets without running water are 1.5 miles before the trailhead. Narrow trail tread and stream crossings make the route unsuitable for wheelchair access. No separate activity fee or reservation is required, though park entrance fees may apply. Pets are not allowed on park trails; trained service animals are permitted.