Backpacking ~ Lost Creek Wilderness (SAT 23-25 MAY)

Join us on this classic, early season backpacking trip, near Bailey, CO!

EXPERIENCE:

• If you are new to backpacking, this trip might be for you! If this is your first night in the backcountry, let's connect to cover the basics. Please send Jeremiah Harberg a message on meetup and we can chat by phone.
• If you are an experienced backpacker, then hop on! You are clear to RSVP.

RSVP OPENS: Friday, May 1st at 12.00 pm

MEET AND GREET AT TRAILHEAD: 8:45 am
START HIKING: 9.00 am

FITNESS: You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections and stream crossings.

TRAILHEAD: (Goose Creek Trailhead)
Length: 5 miles, each way
Elevation: +1,600 feet
Route type: Out and Back
Crowds: Expect to share the trail with day hiker and backpackers. This is a very popular trail.

DAY 1, Sat May 23:

• Hike ~5 miles to camp, ~1,400 feet of gain
• Setup camp, explore ruins

DAY 2, Sun June 01:

• Wake up, chill, hike ~ 2 - 4 miles, check out cool rock formations

DAY 3, Sun June 01:

• Return to cars ~ 5 miles, -1,400 feet of gain, hike back to cars

WHERE: Lost Creek Wilderness
HIKE TYPE: Backpacking, two nights
TRAIL MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/T04FP3T

CARPOOLING (strongly encouraged):
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC

Drive Time: 2 hours
Organize Cars: 6:15 am
Start Driving: 6.30 am (sharp)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD (Goose Creek Trailhead)

Google Map Link

The roads are dirt and bumpy at times but cars will not have a problem on them (other than getting dusty)

Take US 285 to Pine Junction and turn south onto County Road 126. Drive for 21.8 miles. Just south of Wigwam Campground, take a right (west) on FR 211, following the signs for Cheesman Lake and Goose Creek Campground. After 2.0 miles, turn right for Lost Valley Ranch and Goose Creek Campground. Go west for 1.1 miles, stay left at a fork in the road and continue for another 5.2 miles. At a junction past Molly Gulch Campground, turn right for Goose Creek Campground. Drive 4.7 miles, bearing left when Forest Road 51 descends to the right. Cross Goose Creek and pass Goose Creek Campground. Head right onto the Goose Creek Trailhead access road and drive for 1.3 miles to the large parking area.

WEBSITES:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/goose-creek-trail-612-to-mccurdy-trail

NOTEABLES:

• Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, smoke and snow pack.

DISCLAIMER:
Organizers are not responsible for your safety, are not experts, and should not be relied on for specific advice. Organizers do not provide medical or emergency care. Be aware of the risks, and be prepared to navigate and complete the hike independently, including hiking out alone if needed.

GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? We'd love to have them join! Just ask them to sign up for It's Colorado Beautiful and agree to the Terms of Understanding before the hike, as guests aren’t permitted on this adventure.

RSVP CODE: Change your mind? Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 24 hours before the event. If you miss 2 events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.

BE PREPARED:

• If you arrive at the trailhead unprepared (wrong equipment, not in good shape for the trail), you'll be asked to join us on a future hike.
• https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

TRIP STYLE: Backpacking to Nature
We backpack to nature. Our adventures are less about the destination and more about the journey itself. We immerse ourselves the splendor of nature. We spend our evenings by the fire, telling stories under the stars. Many trips challenge us but we are never in a hurry to get there.