Back Trail descends in to the Cottonwood Creek drainage along ridge systems parallel to Back Creek through open ponderosa pine forest and mahogany thickets, to end in dense mixed conifer forest as it approaches Cottonwood Creek. Trail gradient ranges from relatively gentle to moderately steep.

Back Trail is planned as a connecting route between Apple and Cottonwood Trails. Its west end is at the east end of Apple Trail #817 and its east end is at the north end of Cottonwood Trail #819. Vehicle access can be gained from Forest Road #3850: From Paulina, travel 13 miles toward Rager Ranger Station. Turn north (left) at Sugar Creek Day Use Area onto Forest Road #5810. Travel 10½ miles on #5810 to FR #38. Turn east (right) on FR #38 for 2½ miles to FR #3850. Turn north (left) onto FR #3850 and follow it 3 miles to the unmarked trailhead. CAUTION: Forest Road #3850 is a primitive road not suitable for trailers or low-clearance vehicles. There is limited turnaround and parking space at trailhead, and road may not be passable to 4×4 in wet conditions.

Facility Type: Trail