Lost Creek Wilderness

Amazing place for back country camping.

Bring more water than you think you need. Do not expect to find any water on the east side of the mountain, all the streams were dry. Don’t attempt this hike if you are not acclimated. Overall I did 16 miles and 4,000ft elevation. That included slight detours and rock scrambling. I started from spruce campground and went clockwise. Miles 1-4 are easiest, 4-6 was much steeper. The last water is around 5.5 miles in, the next water is at ~mile 12 at Hankins pass (it was a standing puddle, not flowing). Miles 6-8 are steep and the elevation kicks in. The high point was 8 miles in. Beautiful rocks, climb up for a great view. 8-12 (Hankins pass) all down hill and no water until the pass. Miles 12-16 are easy down hill, water is available near the start of the trail. To lizard rock it was about 2.5 mile. Nice aspen meadows and gradual uphill, overall easy. I climbed lizard rock and it had a great view. Best campsites are 3.5-4.5 miles in and then at Hawkins pass

Amazing! So much fun, but man the loop is brutal! Don't miss the turn into the location; it's a little brown sign. We started at about 10am finishing the loop in 2 nights & less than 3 days. We went clockwise gaining altitude as we went. Did 12 miles the first day, camped in an alpine grove! Then hiked up some difficult switchbacks to reveal amazing views near the Bison mountain. Camped another night on the mountain and saw a bunch of moose early in the morning. The trail to the top of the mountain was spectacular! Seriously, a breathtaking view, panoramic, 360* amazingness! Most of the trail is pretty well marked so pay vlose attention around Refrigerator Gulch so you don't get lost. There's lots of water on the trail too; don't forget to check out the beaver ponds!!

I hiked through this area while hiking some of the Colorado trail. It made for lovely hiking, and several of the aspen groves in beautiful, tucked away valleys were just stunning. It was amazing to see the oldest aspens I have ever seen. Hiking along what I assume to be an old logging trail, the hiking was definitely appreciated. The brutal, steep trails to the north made for some exhausting days, but even though the length of my stint in lost creek was longer, I found it to be very relaxing. There was a little bit of litter, which I swiftly pocketed, and there was an old ax I found sitting out of a stump. Despite some of the litter, and a decaying old car I. One of the gulleys, this trail is a beautiful place to hike, anytime in the summer.

This cabin is right on the Colorado Trail. I highly recommend staying here!!

Really cool place to go for a fun hike

Absolutely beautiful and traversable by pretty much any 4wd.

Truly inspiring beauty and well maintained trails /camp sites.

Beautiful area, the Valley of Life in particular was just stunning.

Pretty swag

Very cool place!