Rat Creek Loop

Certainly more difficult than advertised, but definitely possible even with a mostly stock Super Duty Tremor (only change is 37in tires). It rained a lot the day before so there was a lot of mud and some deeper puddles, but doable with 4WD and good tires. There were a few fallen trees I had to cut. I went clockwise (up on west side, down on east). Both the east and west sides of the trail are equally challenging at their most challenging parts, but the west side is more consistently rugged while the east side has a lot of flat dirt roads (due to the old mines). Only hard part of the east side is the last couple miles to get up to the peak with tight & steep switchbacks.

I believe we met Brian Simpson (trail report below this one) on this day! Definitely a challenging trail in areas. Light rain for the first half and sunny the second half, not a whole lot of folks out riding this day. There were many steep climbs that required 4L and some very rocky sections - Those sections alone should have this trial ranked higher in difficulty. Takes you all day in a Jeep. If you’re comfortable with this type of terrain and have the patience to ride it out, it’s worth the trip. Beautiful views.

Incredible trip but waayyyyy harder than advertised. Took me almost 5 hours to complete. Was afraid of being stranded and there weren’t many people out on this day.

Harder than the rating gives it credit for, at least compared to nearby trails. But mostly easy with harder sections. Some climbs steep enough and with ledges to require 4L. Got caught in one section with side by sides coming the other way, pretty rough backing out to the last wide spot. Absolutely gorgeous views.

Overall trail is not too difficult however there are sections of this trail that are. This trail should be rated a 5 because of these sections alone. Some very sketchy climbs over rocky ledges and some very steep switchbacks. Highly recommend a high clearance 4x4 with lockers in some sections of this trail.

Beautiful day for Rat Creek, we drove it counter clockwise. Trail is dry, with just a few puddles and creek crossings. Steepest ascent we saw was 20 degrees, most were between 8-15 degrees. Not technically challenging, just rocky and rutted on the back side, especially going through the scree field. Did the trail in a 2018 Jeep JLU Rubicon, stock suspension on 35” tires, disconnected sway bar, lower tire pressure, rear lockers in 4low. Only passed two Razors on the trail and a few hikers, we saw a nice bull and cow moose at the start of the trail.

It was rainy and at the top light snow. Did not have any traction issues even though there are some steep rocky sections. We were staying in Creede and this actually a fun loop to do with some fun little climbs. We did see a dead moose carcass that looked like some poached a couple hours before we got there. Carcass was skinned blood looked fresh. and only part gone was the head. Skin and the whole carcass were left behind.

This trail is shown to be green and should most definitely be blue. It is not terribly technical, but there are some very steep rocky and a few shallow water crossings. There was a light rain during the northern part of the trail, which could’ve been a problem, climbing, steep graded rocky roads For vehicles equipped to handle green rated trails

We went counter clockwise starting on the Bachelor loop. Most was dry After the left turn starting the loop was narrow and rough, but easily passible with a few short ups and downs. About 1/3 of the way along there is a steep incline thru a scree field. No room to pass, very loose rock and limited room to pick your line. High clearance is an absolute must. Low gear and or lockers could be useful. This section should be rated a solid 5. There are numerous stream crossings and inclines. Places to pass are plentiful. As you approach the back section there is a long steep incline (25%) with no places to pass. There are loose sections, some ruts around the corners and one blind corner. Again high clearance is a must, and low gear is highly recommended. Once you get to the top most of the hard work is done. For about a half mile after the top there are some very steep descents into stream crossings. Go slow, gear down. The hard work is done.