The Texas Creek Trail begins from the Taylor Park Area on Texas Creek Road, Forest Service Road 755. It leads eastward into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The trail begins at an elevation of 9,945 feet and follows Texas Creek ascending slowly. Leaving the trailhead Texas Creek Trail leads to the right and Timberline Trail leads to the left. Texas Creek Trail makes three stream crossings within a half mile of the trailhead. Early in the summer season the water will be high along this trail and its many stream crossings. Approximately one mile from the third stream crossing, Texas Creek Trail intersects with Timberline Trail, 414, and Waterloo Gulch Trail, 540. At this intersection turn right and follow Texas Creek eastward. One mile from the Waterloo Gulch Trail, Texas Creek Trail crosses North Texas Creek. In another mile South Texas Creek Trail ends at Texas Creek Trail, joining it from the south. Two miles from this intersection Browns Pass Trail, 1442, branches to the south and out of the Texas Creek Valley. The trail continues climbing to the headwaters of Texas Creek. At the Browns Pass intersection the trail elevation is 10,775 feet. One mile from Browns Pass Trail a fork occurs with Magdalene Trail leading up and northward toward an abandoned mine. The trail is difficult to follow after the Magdalene Trail, but persistence pays off with magnificent views. Two small lakes lie at the head of the Texas Creek Valley. No distinct trails lead directly to them. My best advice is to remain on the northern side of the drainage and you will be able to follow the trail intermittently. Lake Claire and Lake Rebecca lie at 12,340 feet and 12,240 feet respectively. They are surrounded by a wonderfully scenic and dramatically sharp ridge. It is a wonderful reward to reach this peaceful location after trudging through the entire valley. The last two or three miles of this trail is not adequately signed or maintained. Some difficulty may be encountered riding here. This trail is used mostly by fishermen. This trail is entirely in the new Collegiate Peaks Wilderness from dead end of Texas Creek Road.
Directions from Cottonwood Pass: Travel seven and a half miles east from the top of Cottonwood Pass to the Denny Creek Trailhead. Follow the Browns Pass Trail, 1442, five and a half miles to its intersection withTexas Creek Trail.
Directions from Taylor River Road: Follow Taylor River Road passed Cottonwood Pass approximately one and a quarter miles to Texas Creek Road, Forest Road 755. Turn right and drive seven miles east on Texas Creek Road (4WD only). The trailhead lies at the wilderness boundary, where the road ends.
|
Add your own trip Report!
