This is an abandoned trail not in an wilderness area in our district. Don  

Since you have let me in on your surprise find, I have to excuse myself from this contest. But I must say, a cool find it was!

I am also excused. Has potential to be the best trail in the District. And I am not telling anyone where it is. This perhaps should be one of those best not outed online but in person only. On foot. In person. Wafting breeze, good company, warm beer.   Trail "Z".   D 2

It appears to be the very top of a ridge. Elevation around 4,000ft, judging by the flora - for starters, is the ridge a very prominent one, with a name?

So I'm stuck with no place to go. So do I excuse myself from my own posting? Brian you are right it is at 4-5000' somewhere in the district. Don

If it's the trail I've been hearing about lately that's several miles long, then I'll check out too

So if anyone else wants to post a photo of a trail that won't cause a controversy and keep this game going, please do. When I spend over 90% of my time on abandoned trails, I sometimes forget to use some restraint when it comes to sharing some of the finds. Sorry for the tease! Don

I think you were on this trail today and whenever I looked east and saw the hills, I was feeling quite envious. Especially after Donovan's description. And I quote, "This perhaps should be one of those best not outed online but in person only. On foot. In person. Wafting breeze, good company, warm beer." Did you reach your objective today? And, do you have any pictures or stories of trail "Z" you'd be willing to share with us envious working stiffs?

Sounds like we need to see some more pictures.   D 2

Finished up the "Z" Trail adventure today. 90-95% of the tread has been located in that undisturbed section of 2-3 miles, just a few small rhody sections to search out. This trail has a half a dozen or more viewpoints, mostly to the east. A little chilly with that east wind, but it was fun to be out in the sun. I don't have a habit of taking too many photos, so I will have to use some from our previous outing a week ago. The 1st photo shows where the trail comes out to the south, about 20 yards above that white dirt bank. The 2nd & 3rd photos are looking to the NW and NE from the saddle where the trail came out. The 4th photo is of one of 4 or 5  dykes that bisect the ridge along the trail. The 5th photo is of an arch next to the trail. The 6th photo is of Oak Grove Butte across the way. The 5th & 6th photos were taken last week, hence the overcast skies. I guess I need to take more photos of the trail itself, probably next year at this point. There was a little dusting of snow in the shadows when we were above 5000' today and last week. Don  

Wow that looks awesome!

Thanks for the report!  Hopefully we can arrange a show and tell next year.

The trail is kind of a blessing and a curse. It's a really nice trail but to approach it from either direction takes 1-2 miles of walking on decom roads. It was a 7-8 mile romp out there and back today, just under 8 hours for a couple of retired dudes. Don

I didn't mean to end this posting, so I'm posting another photo of yet another abandoned trail in the district. Don

Anything 'burnt' nearby?

I've heard it was burnt across the river.

Sure is a pretty spot.   D 2

To help speed things along I'm giving another clue. It is one of a dozen or so abandoned trails on this portion of the '38 map.   Don

'Burnt' granite is nearby:) OK I was gonna guess Switch Creek this morning but got side tracked. 

It's not the Switch Creek Trail, but you are on the right side of the river. Don