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A steady climb through aspen and pine forests along Tanglewood Creek.


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Map Key

2.8

Miles

4.6

KM

60%

Runnable

11,928' 3,636 m

High

9,857' 3,004 m

Low

2,071' 631 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

This is a leg burner of a climb - don't be discouraged by the middle section from mile 2-3 which features some rough going. The end of the trail is actually pretty enjoyable, although steep, as the rocks are more minimal and the footing is better so you can just focus on putting one foot in front of the other to get to the saddle.

Description

Starting from the trailhead and parking lot at the end of Deer Creek Road this short trail packs plenty to see along the way with steadily increasing grades that make you earn the views.

The trail starts on a wide, mellow, well-maintained trail through a large ponderosa and spruce forest. Here, Deer Creek meanders through the shade, and you'll have the chance to see a variety of ferns and wildflowers along the banks of the creek and on the nearby hillsides. After crossing Deer Creek on a narrow log bridge, you'll run alongside Tanglewood Creek which you follow for approximately two miles (and cross several times).

The trail continues to climb and you'll head through several aspen stands and small meadows that are filled with wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

As you follow the creek drainage up, you'll notice that the trail starts getting much rockier and steeper as you start to climb in earnest. The rocky sections of the trail can be a bit tricky especially in the spring if there is any run-off, as the rocks are slippery when wet.

The last mile of the trail is definitely worth the effort you put in earlier as the forest, which up to this point has blocked your views, opens up and you'll be running through meadows with stunted pines, gnarled stumps, and many wildflowers in season. The trail smooths out and you can start enjoying views of the surrounding peaks while continuing your climb to the saddle.

The trail ends at the top of the saddle between Rosalie Peak and Rosedale Peak, with great 360-degree views of Bandit Peak, Royal Mountain, Mount Logan, and the green forests, streams, and lakes to the north in the Mount Evans Wilderness.

Flora & Fauna

Deer, Albert's squirrels, chipmunks, beaver, and birds. Ponderosa pine, spruce, aspen, bristlecone pine, and many wildflowers such as sweet peas, goldenrod, columbines, lupine, indian paintbrush, candy tuft, and bluebells.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt with improvements by Ralph Bradt

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 14 votes

#770

Overall
  4.4 from 14 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#130

in Colorado

#770

Overall
2 Views Last Month
8,037 Since Jun 3, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
7%
47%
13%
33%
0%

Photos

Tanglewood Creek.
Jun 15, 2016 near Idaho S…, CO
Interesting, gnarled stump beside the trail.
Jun 15, 2016 near Georgetown, CO
Wildflowers along the trail.
Jun 15, 2016 near Georgetown, CO
Looking south from the Tanglewood Trail.
Jun 15, 2016 near Georgetown, CO
A break in the trees.
Jun 15, 2016 near Georgetown, CO
Entering the Mount Evans Wilderness.
Jun 3, 2016 near Idaho S…, CO

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