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Map Key

18.5

Miles

29.7

KM

Point to Point

11,404' 3,476 m

High

8,396' 2,559 m

Low

5,428' 1,654 m

Up

3,367' 1,026 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Most all of this trail is in the Mount Evans Wilderness. Wilderness rules apply. Access toward the west end via Indian Creek, Lost Creek, Beartrack Lakes, and Beaver Meadows trails is through the Mount Evans State Wildlife Area. The SWA is closed Labor Day through June 14.

Description

Start with a rocky and steep mile, then stay right at 3.8 (left leads you to Staunton State Park). Continue more gently to crest the first climb at mile 6 at 10,600 feet, then enjoy 3 miles of gentle descent. Your first water source will be at about 8.8 miles in. Take the left fork 0.25 miles later, and you'll have another chance to filter water in little more than a mile.

Continue climbing steadily for another mile and change, then take a sharp right 11.8 miles in. This is where things start to get real and the trail becomes steeper and more technical. Pass a clearing at 12.5 miles with good cell reception, then continue climbing to reach the high point of the trail at 11,400 feet at the saddle to Rosedale.

Follow the cairns to find the trail on the other side, which get faints at times, so consult your GPS liberally. You'll reach Lost Creek at 14.5 miles in. (I turned back here.)

(All distances are based on what the Trail Run Project app shows. My measurements were a little different.)

Contacts

Shared By:

Ralph Bradt with improvements by Balazs Rau

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 18 votes

#2

in Conifer

#10778

Overall
  3.5 from 18 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
39%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
6%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Conifer

#910

in Colorado

#10,778

Overall
13 Views Last Month
4,761 Since Dec 12, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
39%
28%
33%
0%

Photos

Water source about 9 miles in.
Sep 9, 2019 near Idaho S…, CO
Clearing at 12.5 miles. Only place with good phone reception.
Sep 9, 2019 near Idaho S…, CO
Bierstadt and Evans from Rosedale saddle. Highest point.
Sep 9, 2019 near Idaho S…, CO
Water source 10.5 miles in.
Sep 9, 2019 near Idaho S…, CO
Aspen grove at about 1.5 miles.
Aug 13, 2023 near Evergreen, CO
Lost Creek at mile 14.5.
Sep 9, 2019 near Idaho S…, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 18 days ago
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