Length
Elevation Gain
Dishman Hills Natural Area's East/West Pond Loop is located just west of the main parking area at Camp Caro, making the loop an easy introductory hike to the Dishman Hills, or a jumping off point for further exploration within the Natural Area's trail network.
From the parking area at the edge of Camp Caro, walk west across the lawn to access the main trail leading to East/West Pond. The majority of the elevation gain for the hike comes in the first quarter mile as the trail ascends a steep and rocky slope. At the top of the climb, look for the East/West Pond trail junction to the west.
The trail intersections are not well marked, so watch for a small spur trail heading slightly south within the next quarter mile. The spur trail takes hikers to the two ponds, which are set back in the forest and are not visible from the main trail.
In the spring, East and West Ponds are a haven for water fowl. There is a small viewing platform at East Pond, although the safety railing was damaged and removed due to vandalism (exercise caution if visiting with small children). Spring duck gatherings and frog choruses generally conclude by early summer, as the ponds dry up during an average year. The area is also a lovely fall color viewing spot for the cottonwood and aspen trees that surround the ponds.
The trail loop continues around the ponds until reaching an intersection with the Nimbus Knob Loop, an option for further exploration, and then eventually reuniting with the main trail to return to Camp Caro.
Trailhead
