Bellyache Lollipop

From the Colorow Creek trailhead, take the Colorow Creek Trail #1897 for about a quarter mile up steep, exposed trail until you can take a right on Stag Gulch Trail #1866. This is also steep and exposed for a while but quickly enters a beautiful aspen forest that is spectacular in late September. Take several switchbacks until you enter a conifer forest and eventually several alpine wildflower meadows. From the top, you can see the Holy Cross wilderness and the Gore Range. At the end of Stag Gulch Trail #1866, you can explore going straight ahead across the road, which leads to some nice overlooks. But this route takes a right on the road towards several more equally good viewpoints. Look for an unsigned left turn on singletrack after following the road about 300 yards. This singletrack leads past many rock outcroppings with outstanding views. Follow the singletrack back to the abandoned dirt road, and follow that back to the Stag Gulch Trail #1866, where you return your trip back to the trailhead.