Kettle Crest North — Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

32 mile out-and-back over 3 days and two nights starting at Kettle Crest Trailhead to Copper Butte on Day 1. Smoke did diminish views to the closest ridges but air quality stayed at moderate for the duration of the trip. Quite a few grouse but no other notable wildlife (other than hearing loud coyotes the first night.) Trail was in good condition but quite dusty and had about a dozen cows leaving fresh patties on the ascent to the intersection with the Jungle Hill Trail 16. The spring that feeds the fen near this intersection was flowing (took a couple minutes to fill a quart.) Camping on Copper Butte was worth the effort with fantastic views of the night sky. Day 2 was from Copper Butte to the intersection with Lambert Trail 47 and back south to the Jungle Hill Trail intersection. It was a steep, rocky climb from Copper Butte and difficult to pass three hunters with two dogs (the only other trail users seen the whole trip.) The piped spring feeding the stock tank near Midnight Ridge Trail 41 was flowing but the one close to Lambert Trail was just a trickle. The ascent from the north of Copper Butte was the most difficult part of the hike. Day 3 was from the Jungle Hill trail intersection back the trailhead; with a bit of rain bringing so much welcomed moisture to the air, we had our best views that morning. Ran into a surveyor at the trailhead parking lot that stated construction to expand the parking area was starting Sept. 22nd.