The trail winds north and eventually ends in Wigwam Park. 1. First day I walked north up Goose Creek Trail and turned west onto McCurdy Park Trail, I wanted to camp in the Gulch the first night but stopped just short. Lost Creek can be high. Goose Creek Road will lead you to Goose Creek Trailhead. The second day was a short but steep climb up the Goose Creek Trail and then down to Refrigerator Gulch on the McCurdy Park Trail, where one of the most unique campsites in … Goose Creek Trail 612 to … This type of trip provides a few nights in the wilderness and a relatively easy day hike. If getting in on a Friday evening, there are plenty of camp spots within a few miles of the trail that are close to the creek for water. 3. Difficulty: 2 boots Hint: If the sun is blazing, avoid the large open campsite, cross the creek and find the spot with some shade. Day One Goose Creek Trailhead -> Refrigerator Gulch . Your email address will not be published. I‘d call that a success. If you want to look this trail up on AllTrails, it’s called Goose Creek, McCurdy, Lake Park, and Hankins Pass Trails Loop. Starting clockwise on the goose creek trail, you will start a gradual climb with some decrease in elevation. The trail winds north and eventually ends in Wigwam Park. And…you did it! The Goose Creek Trail offers primitive camping, fishing in Goose Creek, and views of red Pikes Peak granite formations. For further directions (there are lots of forest roads down this way), read the details on link for Goose Creek Trail below. There are lots of small side trails you can take that will lead you to the creek and other great camping spots, but make sure you don’t venture too far off the main trail and lose your way. The Goose Creek Trail (#612) provides access into the southeast portion of the Lost Creek Wilderness. The next morning walking through refrigerator gulch was amazing. 1. Lost Creek can be high. Not registered. DIFFICULT 5.1 mi. After crossing Lost Creek, the trail climbs over a … Took our next break at the bottom of the steep grade where the Shafthouse turnoff is located and went down to check out the site and the buildings. Beginner hikers and backpackers may want to take an extra day to complete the loop. Just a few miles into our next trail turn-off onto McCurdy Park Trail and down into Refrigerator Gulch, a … While you can go either way, we chose clockwise to hit the more gradual side of Hankins Pass first. Seasonal Popularity. We were on the road shortly after 6AM, it was around a 2 hour drive to the trail head. The Goose Creek Trail (#612) provides access into the southeast portion of the Lost Creek Wilderness. She moved to Denver as a student at DU and is an editorial intern at 303 Magazine. There is also the prospect of a short side trip to Refrigerator Gulch, one of the main attractions of Lost Creek Wilderness. The trail descends until reaching Refrigerator Gulch at a creek that can easily be stepped over. Alternate Routes. Goose Creek Trail 612. Plan for a lot of company as this is a popular outing. Only about two hours from Denver, this trail is a 21.9-mile loop with roughly 5,500 feet of elevation gain and can be split up into two to two and a half days if you’re an intermediate to advanced hiker. The second day was a short but steep climb up the Goose Creek Trail and then down to Refrigerator Gulch on the McCurdy Park Trail, where one of the most unique campsites in the wilderness can be found. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. 2. Bear left at the fork and stay on 211. For this particular trail, here is what you need to know and what to bring. Zig-zag up and down valleys for about 2 more miles to reach Refrigerator Gulch. The main climb over Hankins Pass is a tough and dry one, so fill up your water bottles before making the ascent. Set up camp for your first or second night, depending on if you left Friday night or Saturday morning, somewhere in Refrigerator Gulch before you make the climb over Hankins Pass. 3. To get to the trailhead from Colorado Springs (less than a two-hour drive), head west on U.S. 24, through Florissant and Lake George. Don’t, We heard Santa likes hard seltzers. Make sure to bring repellent and bug nets. Goose Creek trailhead, which is one of the most popular entry points for the Wilderness area. Your hiking clothes maybe shorts and a shirt, but bring an outer layer for warmth and a waterproof layer in case of rain. This will shorten the loop by probably 10 miles but you’ll see the most iconic … Day One Goose Creek Trailhead -> Refrigerator Gulch . She has a passion for journalism and niche writing. At the junction, head towards the Brookside McCurdy Trail. Total Length 9.4mi; Elevation Range Miller Gulch Trailhead From the intersection of C470 and US-285, travel south on US-285 to Pine Junction about 24.3 miles. Seasonal Popularity. Friends from Albuquerque spent the night, and we wanted to get an early start to beat the heat and the crouds. Elevation Profile. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. The reward: great scenic views! You'll turn south on the Goose Creek Trail and wind through aspen and pine to an overlook of a granite-filled valley. Goose Creek Trail . Lost Creek Wilderness Loop via Goose Creek Trail 612. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. As a vegan Taylor has a love of colorful food and loves to explore the different ways Denver cooks its plants. The next morning you can head up north on the Goose Creek Trail passing a lot of good camping options including refrigerator gulch if you want to split this long day up. Much of the trail follows a creek, making water plentiful except for your pass over Refrigerator Gulch. The trail winds on for many miles; take it for however long you please. Looking down into my descent path. With an easy permit process, lots of longer distance trails and a bit more privacy, Refrigerator Gulch Loop in the Lost Creek Wilderness makes for a … Enjoy views of the valley and the red rock formations as you climb. I think you mean counter-clockwise? I ended up covering more ground than I expected day two and camped pretty far south on McCurdy Park Trail. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow): Using your forum id/password. At about 8.25 miles, turn left onto McCurdy Park Trail. This is the Goose Creek Trailhead. You got a couple of nice peaks, saw some incredible scenery, and lived to hike another day. Starting at the Goose Creek Trailhead, we had hiked clockwise connecting five different trails. You’ll start seeing great views within the first five miles. Since you’re following a creek though, this means mosquitos. The trail winds north and eventually ends in Wigwam Park at a junction with the Wigwam Trail (#609). The trail winds north and eventually ends in Wigwam Park at a junction with the Wigwam Trail (#609). You will hit a trail junction for McCurdy Park Trail head west down towards refrigerator gulch. Simply spectacular! There are two commonly recommended loops in this area both originating from the Goose Creek Trailhead–one a 35 miler (Lost Creek Long Loop on map) that traverses the ridge between Bison and McCurdy Peaks and a 22 miler (Lost Creek Short Loop) that bypasses the peaks in favor of a trail through Refrigerator Gulch. 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