The trail from Deadwood leads past the cemetery into the gorge of El Dorado Canyon and steeply descends for three miles. Through the grandeur of this towering hill and its awe-inspiring chasm meanders the tributaries of the Middle Fork, and the impressive jumble of rock and foliage spread out at the feet of the beholder. It is considered a difficult and devious path, with steep inclines. The side of the canyon is abrupt and precipitous.
Well-constructed switch backs line the trail as it climbs out to a summit at the famous old mining camp of Michigan Bluff, some 2,000 feet above the river. The trail is cut into the steep sides of the canyon and is narrow, bounded on one side by the steep ascent, like a wall, and on the other by the precipitous descent to the river below. There are fewer trees and more rock facing on this side of the canyon, making it seem larger, with views that are overwhelming. On a hot summer's day, however, the trail takes on a different meaning. The heat generated from the bare rock facings coupled with the lack of shade trees can cause the temperature to rise by 10 to 20 degrees.
Next: Michigan Bluff to Foresthill
