The upper trailhead begins at the steep gated access road just below the Stairs power plant and opposite the Birchs picnic area. Though initially steep, it is only that way for 30 or 40 yards, then quickly levels off. Once you reach the level ground you are standing on top of the now buried new pipeline, and where the bed of the old flumeway used to be.

  While the trail seems to be level, in reality it has a very gradual, almost imperceptible downhill slope. This upper trailhead is the easiest way to access the old flumeway trail, and allows the longest walking/hiking opportunity, about 3/4 of a mile one-way.

Just because it is relatively flat, does not mean it does not present a hazard. The trail in this first section is littered with boulders of all sizes. The trail makes its way through the rocks, but they are a tripping hazard. In addition, in some places, there are sheer drops right at the trailside. While it can be a good family hike for older children, it is not a place to to take small children and just turn them loose. Pay attention and use caution. 

The trail is open and exposed at first where the new water line was installed, but then it moves into a shallow cut with trees and brush on both sides where the new line leaves the old flumeway path. For the most part, it will remain in the trees all the way to the first gap. The first of many gaps that were once spanned by trestles and bridges.

To go beyond this first small gap is OK, and for the most part safe. There is still a distance of flat and level hiking that can be done on the other side, but caution must be used in crossing. Old timbers and cement footings are present, as well as a rock filled gulch down hill form the crossing point. If you decide to go past the first gap, under no circumstances should you try to go past the second gap!

WARNING! Going beyond the second gap is not advisable, nor is it safe. I cannot use strong enough language to make this point. The danger is great, so too the exposure. Sheer cliffs, rock overhangs, and narrow ledges are common beyond this point, in what I call the middle section of the old flumeway path. This area should be avoided at all costs. There are no mines or reasons to tempt fate by exploring this dangerous area.

The dangerous middle section of the trail is outlined in black on the first and second Google earth images above.

As shown on the images, access to the Purple Shale and Ledgemere mine sites is made by way of this upper flume trail section, not the middle section.

The Ledgemere Trailhead is located near the top of the large parking area across the canyon highway from the Ledgemere picnic area. The trail begins on broken pavement of the upper portion of the old "Smoot Dugway"(4), a short by-pass segment of the original paved highway.

The trail follows the old road and the contours of the hillside before turning north and climbing quickly into the trees. Shortly, the trail breaks to a clearing where it crosses over the Oak Ridge trail coming up from the left, and continuing up to the right. While you can turn right and follow the Oak Ridge trail up to the flume trail, for now, just keep going straight.

After crossing, the trail you are on becomes steeper, climbing rapidly, and soon you are back in the trees. A short distance further and you will will come to flat shaded area with a stone fire ring. This is not the flumeway trail, but you are close. You must keep going up the hillside to a second flat area. It's not far, and when you get there, you'll know it. Concrete pads will be visible to your left and right.  

At this point you are roughly in the middle of the upper flumeway trail, (see Image) You can go either direction and begin exploring. Left will take you to the Ledgemere Mine trail, the first cut, the second cut, and the west end of the upper flumeway trail. To the right are the Purple Shale Mines trail, the Oak Ridge trail connection point, and eventually the upper Granite Flume trailhead back at the canyon highway. (Not where you started from but the Upper trailhead.)