Trail Description:
From the trailhead at end of the road, the Colorado Trail bears right (west) and the Rolling Creek Trail heads left (east). The first part of this trail is very easy to hike, with only minor "ups and downs" and small stream crossings. Just after crossing the much larger Rolling Creek, the Wilderness boundary is reached. Soon thereafter, a tight canyon is entered and the trail becomes very steep. The canyon section is not recommended for horses. As you climb out of the canyon, the view to the north opens up with views of the Castle, the granite along upper Rolling Creek, and the mountains in the distance. The high point of the trail is a saddle between the Rolling Creek and Wigwam Creek drainages. From the saddle the trail continues south down into Wigwam Park, where it meets the Wigwam Trail. A final note on the Rolling Creek Trail. The 1954 Windy Peak Quad map does not show the location of the first 1/3 of the trail. The trail is not shown on the map until you cross Rolling Creek. From that point south, the trail is located more or less as shown on the quad map
Hiking the
Rolling Creek Trail No. 663:
This popular trail provides access into the northeast side of the Lost Creek Wilderness. The first third of the trail south from the trailhead are an easy, pleasant hike following gently rolling terrain. However, the second two thirds of the trail is quite steep and the trail up the tight canyon on the north side is often blocked by downed trees. The trail passes around to the west of the Castle and offers some very dramatic views of this prominent pinnacle. This trail, in conjunction with the Colorado Trail, Wigwam Trail and Goose Creek Trail, offer some interesting loops for backpack trips. The gentle first section of the trail, up to the Wilderness boundary, is popular with mountain bikers, but the rest of the trail is entirely in designated wilderness. In Wilderness, mountain bikes are prohibited and Wilderness regulations apply.
Specific Hiking and Trail Information for the Rolling Creek Trail No. 663
Best Seasons: Summer to Fall
Length of Trail: 5 - 10 miles
Elevation at Trailhead: 8360 feet
Range of elevation encoutered on the hike: 8360 to 10650 feet
Estimated Difficulty (Forest Service Estimate): Easy:Intermediate
Travel Information
For more information on this hike
National Forest: Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Local Office: Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Address:
19316 Goddard Ranch Ct.
Morrison, CO, 80465
303-275-5610
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