Begin the Dutton Creek Trail from the Discovery Point Trail, where Rim Drive meets the access road for Rim Village. From this point hike southwestward and away from the lake. This is the high point of the hike. The trail descends into the Castle Creek drainage from the trailhead.

The descent is steady along the creek. There are a few stream crossings in the first mile of the hike. The grade lessens approximately one and a half miles from the trailhead, where you'll find a small tributary to Dutton Creek and a camping area. Beyond this the slow descent continues for another mile. The trail reaches the Pacific Crest Trail in a wet flat area two and a half miles from Rim Drive. At this trail junction is another backcountry camping area.

Directions: From Annie Spring Entrance Station, Drive northward into the park 4 miles to Rim Drive. Turn left on to West Rim Drive and travel 2 miles to Rim Village Road. Turn right and drive a short distance to the trailhead. The Dutton Creek Trail can be accessed via the Discovery Point Trail. From the junction of Rim Village Road and West Rim Drive the trail leads southwestward on the opposite side of Rim Drive from the Discovery Point Trail.

Elevation: 6,910 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

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