Near Difficult Creek Trail
Views towards Independence Pass.
Near Difficult Creek Trail
The aspens in fall glory!
Near Difficult Creek Trail
Cool boulders near Difficult Creek Trail
Near Difficult Creek Trail
Lots of fun places to play on the creek.
Near Difficult Creek Trail
Aspens near the start of Difficult Creek Trail

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Hike Trail

Difficult Creek Trail

3.8 (6 Ratings)
A pleasant trail along a creek, with good, but not amazing scenery by local standards.
3.1
mi
Distance
1,437
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
River/CreekViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.07mi
Distance
1,437ft
Elevation Gain
68ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
9,506ft
High Point
8,130ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
From the campground, wander through the valley floor for a short bit before crossing the creek on an old bridge and enter the forest of mixed conifers and aspens. Make a couple steep climbs, but none are too long, and enjoy hiking next to the creek. You then turn away from the creek for a while and pass several large boulder formations and forest openings that afford views of the hills across the valley. At around 2.2 miles, you rejoin the creek. The next quarter mile is the highlight of this hike, as you pass beautiful pools and great spots for a picnic next to the creek. The final stretch is quite level and wanders through the woods until you reach a flat area next to the creek and small clearing. There is an old USFS sign here, but nothing legible is left. The remains of four cabins are here, but they are hard to detect. The trail continues but is unmaintained past this point. Many downed trees will make further progress slow and difficult.

Route Conditions

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Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Nick Wilder