Baby Bear, Sleepy Hollow, Blue Ridge, and Grand Traverse Trail
This hike’s name is a mouthful, but it is a favorite of ours anytime we are in the McCall area. It has decent views, magnificent wildflowers, interesting trees in some places, and a fun switchback area built for bikes that is also enjoyable to run down. The trail is primarily flat or downhill, with a gradual incline where one exists. It is also well-managed and nearly free of tripping hazards. You may have to share the trail with bikes and other hikers, especially on the section designed for bikes. Enjoy the hike, but pay attention to your surroundings.
The Approach
From McCall, head west on W Lake St towards New Meadows. Take a sharp right onto N Club Hill Blvd. In half a mile, you will see the parking lot on your right. Turn right onto Forest Rd 51946 into the parking lot (44.934560, -116.153096).
Challenges
In the summer months, this trail can get hot in the afternoon sun. The last half of this trail has less shade, so plan accordingly.
Equipment
Sunscreen
Hat (optional)
Bug Spray
Good hiking shoes/boots
The Trail
This loop trail is composed of four separate trails. It makes for a mouthful when you try to tell someone else about it. My conspiracy theory is that it was done intentionally so people would be less likely to share it with others. I’m kidding, of course. This area is very popular, with a small bike course for children, trails for mountain bikes and hikers, and even some roads for ATVs. If you are hiking or mountain biking, be prepared to share the trail with the other.
The trail begins at the parking lot with Baby Bear Trail and leads to Sleepy Hollow. We prefer to start on the right, but you can go in the reverse direction if you prefer to hike up switchbacks rather than go down them. Following this trail, you will see many meadows and wildflowers as you pass through a seemingly magical forest. Look for wild strawberries along this trail section in late July and early August. We also found them along other trails, but they were most abundant here. Butterflies are abundant during any of the summer months. Take in all the beauty and wonder this trail offers. Sleepy Hollow is probably my favorite section of this hike.
A little more than a mile into the hike, you’ll reach Kodiak Road. Across the road, Sleepy Hollow ends, and Blue Ridge Trail begins. This 1.5-mile section of trail is mostly elevation gain. It is only 100 feet of elevation and is so gradual it is barely noticeable. This is also the longest section of the hike. You have left the meadows and thicker woods behind, and now you experience thinner woods with tall grasses and patches of wildflowers. Typical flowers are the Idaho fleabane, which looks like a daisy with a yellow center and purple petals, and the arrowleaf balsamroot, which looks like a young sunflower with broad green leaves nearly as tall as the flowers.
When you reach Grizzly Bear Road, you have made it more than halfway through the hike. Across this road is the next section of the trail, which runs from the Upper Drain to the Grand Traverse. Upper Drain Trail is popular with mountain bikes because of the downhill switchbacks with berms for bikes to ride around each corner. If you are hiking, ensure you are vigilant so you don’t get run over. This trail section is mostly downhill and shaded. Once you transition to Grand Traverse, the trees thin again, and you are in the sun for the bulk of this trail. Many arrowleaf balsamroots cover the hillside, and monarch butterflies can be abundant at the right time of year.
Grand Traverse eventually runs into Mama Bear Road, which leads you back to Kodak Bear Road, where you can get back onto the second half of Baby Bear Trail. This section has more shade and large bushes that flower in June and July, attracting butterflies and honey bees. You’ll know when you are close to the trail’s end when you reach the small bike course for children. There will be a few picnic benches here as well. Another hundred yards and you emerge into the parking area.
Summary
With a total distance of just under 4.5 miles with less than 350 feet of elevation, this is a gentle hike for the distance. It is one of our favorites for this reason and because of the various wildflowers, meadows, butterflies, and large swathes of shade. The multiple trails each come with unique features, which keep the hike interesting. Watch for the trees that have mushrooms growing from them. For a little extra fun, when you reach the switchbacks, sprint through them. Ride the berms like a bike and see how fast you can move down that hillside. I highly recommend this hike and look forward to the next time we get to walk its paths and enjoy the beauty of this fantastic slice of heaven.
