Lost Creek Wilderness: Goose Creek Trail to Shaft House & Overlook

The Goose Creek Trail is perhaps the most popular trail in the Lost Creek Wilderness and when hiking it, you'll understand why. The landscape is surreal. The forest is lush (once out of the burn area) and the rock formations are striking…especially at the overlook.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to have lunch at the Overlook & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 11 to 11.5 miles with about 1,900 feet elevation gain.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Not only will we see striking rock formations, but we will also be able to spot Harmonica Arch, which is one of very few arches that exist in Eastern Colorado. At about 3.5 miles from the trailhead we should reach a sign pointing to "historic buildings” which are some old bunkhouses for the Antero and Lost Park Reservoir Company. From there we will take the trail labeled for The Shafthouse which is the location that was drilled into the rocks through which Lost Creek runs in an effort to fill the gaps with concrete and create a reservoir. Here we will find the remains of the cable pulley used to raise and lower supplies, people, and tailings from the shaft. From there we will continue along the trail to go to the overlook with fantastic views of the namesake area of Lost Creek wilderness. Note that the hike in alltrails does not go all the way to the overlook, but the overlook is amazing. Last time we found a couple good routes to get to it. Here is the alltrails route, but we will continue on the trail to the overlook: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/shaft-house-via-goose-creek

DOGS: 🚫 not allowed on this hike.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Goose Creek Trailhead. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD AS LAST TIME SOME PEOPLE WERE LATE AND YOU WILL BE DRIVING A LONG WAYS ON A DECENT DIRT ROAD. The best way to get there is to use the alltrails link above and click directions. Alternatively if you use Google maps, you can type in “Goose Creek Trailhead” (the one near Deckers) for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellent, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.39410532011665&lat=39.2006198202549

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.