Location: Cow Mountain Recreation Area

Distance: up to 5 1/2 miles round trip to Goat Rock Camp.

Elevation gain: Up to 1,320 feet.

Time: Half day for full hike.

Cautions/notes: Watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak. Steep climb back to trailhead. Creeks may dry up by late summer. Dogs allowed.

Description: The trail ascends east through chaparral past the green gate and around a ridgetop knob. Begin a steady descent along a brushy ridge from 1/8 mile, enjoying views of Clear Lake and Mount Konocti. The trail bends left at 1/4 mile as the descent steepens. Descend steeply by short switchbacks, then moderately along the ridge. Ascend a small knob at 3/4 mile, then descend gradually. After another short ascent at 1 mile, contour, then descend gradually, winding down the ridgetop. Climb a pine-covered knob at 1 1/2 miles, then resume descending. After passing left of a rock outcrop at 1 5/8 miles, contour through a grassy area on the ridge. The trail bends sharply left at 1 7/8 miles, leaving the main ridge for a winding descent on a spur ridge. After regaining the top of the spur ridge at 2 3/8 miles, your path soon makes a sharp left, leaving the ridge to descend toward the large glade at the confluence of Scotts and Black Oak Springs creeks. Switchback right at 2 5/8 miles and ford Scotts Creek. The trail climbs east into grasslands, passing below large Goat Rock. Descend south to Black Oak Springs Creek and Goat Rock Camp. (Glen Eden Trail continues 3 3/4 miles more to Scotts Valley Trailhead, but it's a long descent unless you have a ride waiting at the bottom.) Return the way you came.

Trailhead: Exit Highway 101 at Talmage south of Ukiah. Go east 2 miles, then right on Eastside road. Drive 0.3 mileS, then go left on Mill Creek Road for 2.7 miles past Mill Creek ponds. Turn left on steep dirt Road 203C (Cow Mountain Road). In 2.5 miles, turn right and drive 3.1 more miles to trailhead, on the right near the green gate.

Fee: None.