Like the adjacent Northrup Canyon trek, this trail leads through a portion of the old wild forest in Grant County, a mixed forest of pine and fir that provides shelter each winter to a large population of bald eagles. Because the big, majestic eagles roost here throughout the winter, the trail--which climbs to the canyon rim, putting you at eye level with some of the prime roosting trees--is closed from November to March each year to ensure the eagles aren't disturbed during the hard winter months. Come spring, though, the trail opens up and plenty of birds are still around for you to see (and hear). The old settlers' road leads to the canyon rim with views down onto scenic Northrup Canyon and out over the Banks Lake basin.

As the name suggests, from the trailhead the hiking route follows an old wagon road. This old road was an important link in the regional road system a century ago. Now the rutted track offers a nice hike as it climbs up the south side of Northrup Canyon before leveling out above. This path offers amazing views up and down the canyon. At 0.6 mile, you reach a viewpoint from which you can look back toward Banks Lake and see Steamboat Rock poking out of the dark waters. Continue up to the top of the canyon wall and stride along the canyon rim, enjoying the open views out over Banks Lake and down into Northrup Canyon.

At 1.5 miles, the road is crossed by a fence. Though the track continues on the far side of the fence, this is the turnaround point for hikers.