Trail Overview

A great way to check out views of Pikes Peak and Signal Butte. You'll pass through the Hayman Burn Area. It is interesting to observe the damage and recovery occurring there. If you want to camp, you can find a lot of options along the way. There's also a parking area with easy access to the trail system there for unlicensed vehicles.

Photos of Phantom Creek, Signal Butte

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

Easy. Rutted dirt road. Fairly wide except on north end where switchbacks wind tightly downhill. Creek crossing at Waypoint 03 can be deep during spring runoff.

History

The Hayman Fire burned 138,000 acres and, as of this writing, remains the largest fire by area in Colorado. The fire destroyed 133 homes and caused $40 million in damages. It started on June 8, 2002, as the result of carelessness on the part of a federal forestry officer, who was later convicted of arson and sent to prison. Some areas were just lightly grazed, but many more areas were completely scorched, leaving no seed for regrowth. The fire shut down many 4x4 roads, including the very popular Gulches, Trail #87. Most of the roads have now reopened, and many new OHV roads have been added. The area remains one of the most popular OHV destinations in southern Colorado.

Technical Rating

Austin Fry

Dec 24, 2024

Open

Quite a bit of snowpack, heavily traversed though.

John Warinner

Nov 25, 2024

Open

Mick DeNudt

Jun 30, 2024

Open

Todd Yogerst

May 08, 2024

Open

Tyler McGuire

Mar 29, 2024

Open

Sam Kronemann

Dec 26, 2023

Open

I did this trail counter clockwise. A few dicey spots on sharp turns because of the snow. Had to break up 2”-3” of ice at the creek crossing. After creek it was pretty smooth with some beautiful views.

Tyler McGuire

Aug 05, 2023

Open

David Persons

Jul 16, 2023

Open

Junior ramirez

Apr 29, 2023

Open

Riley Harnish

Apr 08, 2023

Open