Rolling Creek Trail

A near perfect day greeted 14 members of the High Country Hiker group as they arrived at the ACAA.  Although a number of new faces have joined the group in recent weeks, today all but two on the bus were regulars.


Hikers listen as Ed gives the weekly safety briefing.

The ride to the TH would take hikers out of Denver on Rt. 285, to the tiny town of Bailey.  There, Ed would head into Lost Creek Wilderness and the TH close by. 

Trail today was virtually rock-free, making it a good spot for both hikers and mountain bikers to practice their sport.  There are a number of small stream crossings on this out and back hike, which adds an extra dimension to the experience.

This pleasant hike gains a mere 800' el. at best over the roughly 6 mi. trek.

One feature towering over the area is 'The Castle', a large rocky outcropping, in the midst of Lost Creek Wilderness.  It can be seen from a number of vantage points in the area.

'The Castle' a rock outcropping overlooks Lost Creek Wilderness.

 Lost Creek's countless polished granite domes and half-domes, knobs, spires, and buttresses make it one of the state's unique wilderness areas.  In many ways the open parks and granite outcrops resemble a mini Yosemite Valley.  Granite rock piles swallow Lost Creek no less than nine times giving rise to the creek's name.

 

 

Mule deer, elk, bobcat, and black bear all roam the area and one of the state's most productive bighorn sheep herds inhabit the Tarryall Mountains.  Unfortunately for members of HCH, wildlife sightings during hikes this year have been stuck at zero.  Hopefully that will change in the weeks to come. 

Gary1 maintains his balance while crossing a stream.

Lost Creek Wilderness offers visitors 119,790 acres with 100 miles of trails to explore.  So return to the area again to experience this great area close to Denver. 

As for Bailey, there is not much to the town, although it does offer a country style restaurant and an old time soda fountain/gift shop, where this group stops for coffee and/or ice cream.

Route 285 is a major road for tourists, and adventure seekers as they go through town, on their way to campgrounds, trailheads, and other remote spots in the region.






Seated (L to R): Kathy Tedrick, Name not given, Gary Merical, Kathy Hall., Marsha McBurnett, Betty Day, and Name not given.  Back Row (L to R): John Tedrick, Luisa Sandoval, Jonelle Bidwell, Nancy Bralic, Hike Leader/Driver, Ed Blum, Joe Jackson, and Barbara Peck

Total Miles Completed = 6.1

Photo Credits: Images from this hike provided by John and Kathy Tedrick, and Kathy Hall.

Next Hike:  Hope you were signed up.  It will be one of the most scenic hikes of the year.   Plus the view at the end of the climb will be breathtaking.  Article and images from the day will be posted soon.