Trail Run Project Logo

This important north-south thoroughfare connects to other trails and provides endless loop possibilities.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

32.1

Miles

51.6

KM

85%

Runnable

11,852' 3,612 m

High

8,077' 2,462 m

Low

6,119' 1,865 m

Up

5,644' 1,720 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Wilderness rules apply in applicable areas—notably the Lost Creek Wilderness. For this area of the trail there is a mandatory self-issuing permit system that all runners and backpackers are obliged to fill out. Although open year-round, access during the winter may be limited due to snow.

Description

Starting from the Payne Creek/Brookside Trailhead, the trail will start to trend uphill. Around the 1.5 mile mark, the Payne Creek Trail #637 splits off into its own trail to the left. Continue south, climbing gradually at first; the grade steepens as you climb the Platte River Range. You'll cross the boundary line for the Lost Creek Wilderness and eventually see the Brookside AG Trail junction, which climbs east-west after leaving MacArthur Gulch (be sure to check in with the South Platte District Office for current information regarding the Brookside AG Trail). From the junction, climb up into Craig Park, where it intersects with the Craig Park Trail.

Rising out of Craig Park and over a saddle, you'll drop into North Lost Park. From here, the trail briefly leaves the Wilderness and joins the Colorado Trail (CT - Segment 4). A couple of miles after the trails combine, you'll see a second junction where the trail regains its independence and heads south; the CT - Segment 4 continues east.

The trail will follow Lost Creek to another junction to meet the Wigwam Trail #609, which heads east-west. Maintain your path south, and once again enter the Lost Creek Wilderness. The trail will meet and follow Indian Creek upstream to a commanding saddle between the Lost Creek and Tarryall Creek drainages. The trail then meets Ute Creek Trail #629 climbing steeply up from the southwest. Follow the trail, now bearing southeast, and start the steep climb to the shoulder of Bison Peak; here you may choose a slight detour up Bison Peak Southwest Route to get even more stunning views of the scenery that is now laid before you.

From this high point, the trail follows a ridge to the southeast of an old burn area and stunning granite formations and spires. This section of the trail offers some of the best views of the region and affords stunning fall colors in the appropriate season. There is slight exposure however, and lightning storms can pose a risk. Start to descend into McCurdy Park where the trail meets the McCurdy Park Trail #628.

Finally, the trail descends a short distance and meets both the Lake Park Trail #639, and a bit farther on, the Hankins Pass Trail #630. The trail then veers to the southwest, gently descending to a parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Luke Snow

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#2

in Bailey

#23113

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
75%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Bailey

#1,780

in Colorado

#23,113

Overall
12 Views Last Month
4,767 Since Jun 8, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Trail between Bison and McCurdy Peaks.
Jun 6, 2016 near Pine, CO
View of McCurdy tower from saddle.
May 25, 2022 near Bailey, CO
The highest point of the loop with a fantastic panoramic view of the Mosquito Range.
May 30, 2018 near Bailey, CO
Wildflowers and aspen on the Twin Eagles Trail.
May 25, 2022 near Bailey, CO
Large, grassy valley where the Brookside-McCurdy Trail joins the CT
Mar 31, 2019 near Bailey, CO
near McCurdy Peak
May 30, 2018 near Bailey, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.