I looked through my guide book for a short hike. Something that would be four hours or less at a slow pace. I found a four miler (one-way) located on off County Road 68 in Pike National Forest. Trail number 663, also known as Rolling Creek, begins at an elevation of 8,200 feet. According to the guide book and map at the trailhead, Rolling Creek Trail gains 1,400 feet in four miles and terminates at the Wigwam Trail.
Hiking Rolling Creek Trail
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 like and unamed logging road.
Unfamiliar with Rolling Creek Trail, I was unsure if this was the Wigwam crossing or not. Since the path did not dead end, and it didn’t seem like I had hiked four miles, I continued.
I hiked up a canyon following a single track that at timese was almost indistinguishable. Trickling waterfalls crossed the trail as it switched back and forth up the mountain with substantial elevation gain. Several fallen trees overtook the path occasionally marked by a few helpful cairns.
While I am all for the less traveled hikes, I felt as if I was venturing into the backwoods, especially when I came across a relatively fresh kill. The carcass of an elk or a deer still had fur left on one leg above the hoof!
Upon reaching the peak without any views, I saw the trail descended the other side. Instead of descending, I turned around and retraced my steps. Seven hours later (instead of four), I finished more like an 11 mile adventure! It was not what I planned, but at least I was prepared with the ten essentials. ETB
Other Nearby Hiking Trails
- Eight Hikes on Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
- Meridian Trail, Kenosha Pass, Ben Tyler Trail
- The Colorado Trail: Segment 3
- The Colorado Trail: Segment 4
