Cow Horn Loop

There is no water on the short, exposed climb, but after the .75 mile mark there are streams interspersed along the route. During wet seasons, there is a small pond after the mile mark.

From downtown Ketchum, it is an easy 9.3-mile drive with all but the final half mile on paved roads. Click here for directions to the trailhead. There are about 30 parking spots, but they can get scarce by mid-morning during the summer.

There are bathroom facilities at the trailhead.

Mid-April through November

To get to the trailhead, keep the large trailhead map to your left and walk through the parking lot until you come to a sign pointing you towards “Cow Cr. Connector/TR. NO. 153)”. A few steps later, come to a signed junction with the Greenhorn Trail. Stay right and begin an easy climb through a sagebrush and wheatgrass meadow.

As you continue, the distinctive Mahoney Butte rises above and you will see evidence of 2007’s Castle Creek fire on the Smoky Mountains that lie to your left. Shortly after the .75-mile mark, cross a bridge spanning a small stream, often dry by late fall. The trail levels out after the bridge and come to an unsigned junction at .8 miles. Stay left.

Just after the mile mark, come to a signed junction of Cowhorn and Cow Creek Connector. Turn left to take Cowhorn.

The trail continues with an easy descent, each step bringing you closer to the fire damaged hills in front of you. Below the blackened trees sits newly rehabilitated beaver habitat marked by large ponds and wetlands alongside Greenhorn Creek. At about 1.4 miles, come to a signed junction with Greenhorn Trail. Turn left.

You are now on Greenhorn Trail, a very popular mountain bike route. Be aware of your surroundings and look for traffic coming from either direction. At 1.65 miles, come to another junction, this time with Imperial Gulch Trail. Stay straight.

Quickly come to another bridge and cross Greenhorn Creek for the final time. The views of the beaver habitat wetlands improve as you continue. The route re-connects with the original trail to complete the loop shortly before the trailhead.