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This is a relatively gentle trail that provides access to the Lost Creek Wilderness.


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Map Key

9.0

Miles

14.6

KM

Point to Point

9,844' 3,000 m

High

8,070' 2,460 m

Low

2,481' 756 m

Up

1,224' 373 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Wildlife

Part of this trail is in the Lost Creek Wilderness; for that section wilderness rules apply.

Description

The Payne Creek Trail #637 branches off the Brookside McCurdy Trail #607 at the foot of a large and serene private meadow roughly 1.5 miles from the trailhead.

You'll cross into the wilderness boundary after a small drainage. The hike at this point starts to become strenuous; however, the effort is offset by the surrounding aspen grove, which is a great place to take a break. The trail eventually peaks and begins to descend into the Craig Creek drainage, and after some hiking along the north side of the creek, you'll cross over to the southern side. Continue southeast, hitting the Bluestem Draw and then shortly after, crossing a small creek.

The trail then ends at the junction with the Colorado Trail (CT - Segment 4).

Contacts

Shared By:

Luke Snow

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 8 votes

#1

in Bailey

#11371

Overall
  3.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
13%
4 Star
75%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
13%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Bailey

#989

in Colorado

#11,371

Overall
9 Views Last Month
2,970 Since Mar 21, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Just after crossing Craig Creek near mile 22. If the water is high at mile 8, you'll definitely be able to refill here at 22 as it's the same drainage.
Aug 12, 2019 near Bailey, CO
A beautiful, remote section of climbing through aspen groves greets you for the last major ascent of the route after mile 22. The remoteness is reflected in the trail being nearly swallowed up by the surrounding vegetation.
Aug 12, 2019 near Bailey, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Oct 15, 2023
Alex O'Connell
Burn mitigation so smoky until jct with Brookside. Saw one other hiker otw out. Creek flowing. Stopped just short of high pt 7.6mi — 3h 20m
Feb 18, 2023
Alex O'Connell
Quantity of lightweight snow made for slow going: traction not useful. Beautiful warm-ish day.
Oct 14, 2022
Matt Culpepper
Two night backpack at Craig Meadows. Day two to Windy Peak plateau. Total: (30.8/7600) 18mi
May 18, 2019
Patrick Csongei
hiked in a out 4.5 miles to the first high point and then turned around. really peaceful hike, only saw four other hikers on the trail 9.3mi — 3h 40m
May 13, 2019
Gyro Northrop
Apr 6, 2019
Lori Miller
First time w almost fully loaded pack, not including bear canister and extra clothes. Incl tent and sleeping bag and cookware and food +2.2 L water.
May 20, 2018
Jon D
11.8mi
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