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This wilderness trail affords stunning vistas, summer wildflowers, and fall foliage.


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Map Key

11.7

Miles

18.9

KM

Point to Point

11,661' 3,554 m

High

8,286' 2,526 m

Low

3,564' 1,086 m

Up

2,116' 645 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Since the trail is almost entirely within the Lost Creek Wilderness, wilderness restrictions apply. There is a mandatory self-issuing permit system at the beginning of the wilderness area that hikers and backpackers are obliged to fill out.

Description

Beginning at the North Ben Tyler Trailhead, the trail immediately starts with a set of moderately steep switchbacks. After the last switchback, you'll cross Ben Tyler Creek, resuming a steep climb. Along this section, there are established campsites that can be found and used.

The final section up to the Craig Park Trail junction is a series of long switchbacks that, when traversing east, offer spectacular views down Ben Tyler Gulch. You'll maintain a southwestern course past the junction with Craig Park Trail #608. The trail continues to climb, crossing Ben Tyler Creek again, to a high saddle above the tree line, which offers some spectacular views. You'll start to descend at this point, passing an old lumber camp and joining CT - Segment 5, ending at the Rock Creek Trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

There are a plethora of colorful wildflowers in late spring and early summer, and fall brings stunning color changes to the aspen groves on the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Luke Snow

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 12 votes

#9935

Overall
  3.9 from 12 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#805

in Colorado

#9,935

Overall
17 Views Last Month
4,685 Since Mar 22, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Rock Creek Gulch
Sep 15, 2020 near Jefferson, CO
Fallen aspen leaves on the Ben Taylor Trail.
Oct 18, 2020 near Bailey, CO
View to the south from the highpoint of the Ben Taylor Trail.
Oct 18, 2020 near Bailey, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Aug 21, 2022
Kayla Knoll
Apr 17, 2022
April Jones
0&B from East/285 TH. Snowshoes recommended above 9250', packed snow/mashed potatoes in the sun. 8mi — 5h 00m
Jul 24, 2021
Katie Osland
Great trail! 2mi
Jun 6, 2021
April Jones
From Rock Creek TH, waist-deep snow above 11,500, but can route around off-trail. Mosquitoes aplenty. 10mi — 5h 00m
Aug 9, 2020
Dimitri R
Jun 13, 2020
Gretchen Walker
Nicole's birthday weekend- FJ rolled in shit
May 16, 2020
Luke Tavares
Snow around 1050ft, will try the summit in summer
Oct 7, 2019
Nicole Stanek
Did part of this trail as an out and back. Beautiful aspens! 6mi — 2h 30m
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