Succumb to walking the wall out of East Fork Creek. The rest is sandy, grassy, rocky, lumpy, bumpy level 2 to 4. The route's highpoint is Ute Mountain Lookout at 8,834 feet. Total climbing is about 2,200 feet. Portions of the route may be wet and muddy during spring.
Insect repellent is recommended.
Afternoon clouds may produce chilling rains and lightning. As its name implies, this backcountry route may not be the wisest choice during autumn's hunting season. There is no drinking water along the route. Deep Creek Campground and Ute Mountain Lookout have outhouses but no water taps. Manila has a few cafes and motels, a small grocery store, and gasoline.