Rolling Creek Trail
I looked through my guide book for a short hike, four hours or less at a slow pace. I found a four miler one way that looked to dead end into another trail nearby our property in the Colorado front range, so I thought I would try it out. Trail number 663 is known as Rolling Creek and begins at and elevation of 8,200 feet. Over 4 miles it gains 1,400 feet and terminates at the Wigwam Trail according to both the guide book I purchased and the map at the trailhead.
I meandered along the trail enjoying the distant view of various rock formations as chipmunks scampered from tree to tree preparing for the upcoming winter days. The path led me through a patch a lodge pole pines, to an overlook, and then down to the creek. Eventually, I reached another trail, that looked more like a logging road that was unnamed. Unfamiliar with the trail, I was unsure if this was the Wigwam crossing or not. Since the Rolling Creek Trail did not dead end, and it didn’t seem like I had hiked four miles I continued.
I continued for miles. I walked up a canyon, followed the path in places where it almost became indistinguishable. It crossed trickling waterfalls, switched back and forth and increased substantially in elevation. I ended up climbing over several fallen trees. I followed a few cairns that marked the trail. I came across a carcass of an elk or a deer…a somewhat fresh kills will fur still left on one leg above the hoof. I felt like I was in the backwoods.
The trail ended up never ending. I basically got to the top of the mountain where I came across alpine tundra, and it looked like I could cross over and go down on the other side. Instead I turned around and headed back to where I started. My round trip 8 mile, 4 hour hike turned into 7 hours and more like a 14 mile adventure! ETB
Shop
Check out the photographic note cards and key chains at my shop. Each card has a travel story associated with it. 20% of proceeds are donated to charity.
what is all over that tree stump in the last picture? Rock formation looks like an ape sitting down, doesn’t it?
I think it is just a rock behind the stump…took these with my iphone so not the best quality!
Beth, that was a long hike, I guess Petey didn’t go…..nice photos
Hey, I wish I had discovered your this post right after I started my blog in February of 2013. These pictures are awesome. About 25 years ago, one of my friends got a group of us all psyched up about going to the Rolling Creek Trail. From that first time out to Rolling Creek Trail, I have been many, many times. I live about one hour from the trail head. I am mentioning your blog, and I couldn’t find a picture anywhere like you have of the rock croppings. I want to use it in a post … As long as I mention your blog, would you give me permission to do so? Those rock croppings carry some great memories. You have a great blog, by the way. Peace, T
Sure