Monte Cristo

Monte Cristo Area

Miles: 8.5 miles roundtrip

Elevation: 430 feet gained

Mountain Loop Granite Falls

This is mostly an old road, but you soon forget as you realize how high the ridge tops above you are from the valley floor that you are walking in. After the first mile the road crosses the South Fork Sauk River. This is a great spot for the kids to feel like they have come to a stopping point. The river begs you to at least dip your feet in, if not more. 

For those with older kids, the trail/road continues another three miles to the old mining town. On the way notice that you are on the path of an old railway by the two very straight one mile sections. You finally cross the river into town and try to find as many relics from the olden days that you can. If you do hike all the way into town, do not miss Sunday Falls just before the trailhead to Silver Lake. The other major trail out of the town is Glacier Basin and it too has an amazing waterfall that is very easy to get to!

The best way to experience this hike is actually by bicycle. Coast your way back to the trailhead in 30-40 minutes.

  • Get there: Drive the Mountain Loop out of Granite Falls all the way to the point that it turns from pavement into a gravel road. The trailhead is right there at the gated road on the right.