Ketchum, ID: Murdock Creek
This 6.2-mile out-and-back charges up a mountain creek and into a canyon tucked below the snow-crested Boulder Mountains.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
-Mapped by Jason Kauffman
Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.8
Waypoints
MDC001
Location: 43.8066825866699, -114.414840698242
This dayhike starts on Murdock Creek and roughly traces its course until the trail disappears at mile 3.1. From there, expert navigators can continue above treeline for more stunning scenics. From trailhead, head NE
MDC002
Location: 43.8079261779785, -114.411109924316
First of 4 creek crossings. Save this hike for mid-summer or risk difficult crossings during snowmelt
MDC003
Location: 43.8142623901367, -114.405563354492
Be quiet: Elk graze and bed on the grassy hillside across creek
MDC004
Location: 43.8148880004883, -114.404396057129
Ford creek
MDC005
Location: 43.816104888916, -114.402191162109
Short but steep climb on rocky path
MDC006
Location: 43.818733215332, -114.398414611816
Pass under a green pocket of conifers
MDC007
Location: 43.8225479125977, -114.393280029297
Steep climb again
MDC008
Location: 43.8233528137207, -114.393020629883
Check out the steep avalanche chute on other side of creek
MDC009
Location: 43.8259086608887, -114.390571594238
Traverse loose rockslide
MDC010
Location: 43.8304824829102, -114.381866455078
Stay straight. Another avalanche chute to the E
MDC011
Location: 43.8312377929688, -114.380706787109
Cross creek again
MDC012
Location: 43.8356590270996, -114.381034851074
Last creek ford. Two options: 1) Backtrack to trailhead. 2) Continue up the increasingly faint (and steep) trail for alpine views of a 10,000-foot ridge to the NE