One Eye Creek

11.2 miles from Georgetown. Moderate-steep 4 miles round trip.            MAP

Legend has it that a miner working his claim down on Rock Creek long ago survived an attack by a mountain lion, but lost one eye during the encounter; hence the name. But One Eye Creek is downstream quite a ways beyond this trail, but perhaps in olden days it was the way to get there.

This trail used to continue up the other side of the Rock Creek Canyon to a place called Castle Rocks and then on to the small town of Mosquito. That side is blocked by private property now and the trail grows faint, but you can admire the Castle Rock spires from several spots along the trail descending to Rock Creek if you stay alert along the way.

Directions: From G.T. go 4.5 miles up Wentworth Springs Rd and turn R on Balderson Rd. Go just under 1 mile to turn R onto Darling Ridge Rd. Stay on the paved road 5.1 miles to an unmarked, unpaved F.S. road marked by a large OHV sign (just past the road to Ells place). Go L here for .6 miles to a 4 way intersection and go straight on the road marked 12N81C. Bear R at .2 miles and follow main road another .6 miles. Look for a 4×4 post marking the trailhead on the right side. Park nearby without blocking the road.

The trail drops 1000 feet in about 2 miles, but is only steep for the last ½ mile. Poison Oak is thick at the creek so if your sensitive watch out going along the creek in winter when it is less obvious. When you reach the creek follow the trail along the bank downstream about ¼ mile to a great waterfall with a great pool for swimming down below. Watch the kids here for the bedrock is very slick when wet.

Perhaps someday volunteers can rebuild the trail up to Castle Rocks. It used to cross about half way to the waterfall and old blazed trees show the way up the canyon side. Up on the ridge the trail gets more distinct the closer it gets to Castle Rocks.

Click HERE to view the Take A Hike! version of this hike.