Rock of Ages/Horsetail Creek Tr./Oneonta Loop

10.5 miles of hiking • 3750' elevation gain •

A wonderful day yesterday to get out and tackle this interesting loop. The first 2.5 miles were a real grind, but checking out Rock of Ages Arch and Devil's Backbone made the early going worth it. At the top, I hiked back toward Oneonta creek fording at least six creeks, the last of which had a huge fallen tree to walk on. The descent was wet and muddy causing me to fall a dozen times, so by the time my dirty self made it back near the trailhead I was getting the type of looks that ask, 'why is this guy walking back from Ponytail Falls covered in mud?'

I think next time I may loop the other way towards Nesmith Point and return on #400.