Dutch Creek Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Be aware of the Dutch Creek crossing through June. Water will be swift and high. Dogs are allowed on leash on Coal Basin Ranch.

Two-way trail open to foot and bike. A legacy trail for the Coal Basin Ranch system, the route follows Dutch Creek, mostly at mellow grades, with occasionally steeper sections and natural rock features. Ends at the old Mid-Continent lamphouse, which was used by miners before and after entering the portals.

Connect this trail to USFS lands for longer hikes along the old mine roads or the Coal Basin Trail/USFS 1953 into the heart of Coal Basin proper. Along Coal Basin Trail, one can connect to Bear Ridge and Sun Trail to stay on the Coal Basin Ranch property. Sun Trail is open to hiking both directions and bikes uphill.

Lower down, Sun Trail connects to Breathe (Serague in Ute) Loop Seraque at Ute Point.

Mule deer, red fox, red tail hawk, abert's squirrel are common. Stay alert: Black bear and mountain lion also are found in the area. Flora include spruce, ponderosa, Douglas fir, aspen, gambel oak; penstemon, larkspur, western red columbine and arnica.