wildernet

Hiking & Walking: Colorado

Quick Facts

Bard Creek Trail

Beginning Elevation:	9,150 Feet (2852.2 Meters) at the end of Bard Creek Road
Elevation:	10,850 Feet (3382.2 Meters) at the source of Bard Creek
Elevation:	10,400 Feet (3241.9 Meters) at the Herman Gulch Trailhead
Length:	4.5 Miles (7.5 Kilometers) to the head of Bard Creek
USGS Maps:	Grays Peak; Georgetown

Outfitters and Guides

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

This trail leads up Bard Creek then follows the mountain ridge north of I-70 from Georgetown to the Herman Gulch Trailhead, providing many views of the Continental Divide.

This is a one-way trail. It is recommended to park a second vehicle at the Herman Gulch Trailhead unless you would like to hike back. There is no fishing allowed in Bard Creek because of the endangered Greenback Cutthroat Trout. There are mines, wildflowers, bogs, and aspen groves along the whole trail.

Directions from Idaho Springs: Take exit 232 off of I-70 and go into Empire. Turn south onto Rd. 251 (Empire Pass Road). Follow Rd 252 for 2 miles and then park. Beyond this point the road deteriorates and requires a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Directions from Idaho Springs: Take exit 232 off of I-70 and go into Empire. Turn south onto Rd. 251 (Empire Pass Road). Follow Road 252 to the end of the plowed section. The trail begins where the plowing ends.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Summer through Fall .

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Difficulty: Hard Number of People Encountered: 0-5 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Not Recommended Report: This trail leads up Bard Creek then follows the mountain ridge north of I-70 from Georgetown to the Herman Gulch Trailhead, providing many views of the Continental Divide.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Bard Creek Trail can be followed to the Herman Gulch Trailhead	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Bard Creek Trail can be followed to the Herman Gulch Trailhead	Yes

Related Activities

Herman Gulch Trail - This trail begins west of the Bakersville I-70 exit and just east of the Loveland Ski Area. The trail climbs up through the forest and then leads above timberline to Herman Lake, offering spectacular views.

Watrous Gulch Trail - This trail begins west of the Bakersville I-70 exit and just east of the Loveland Ski Area. It begins in the trees then travels above timberline, offering great views of the surrounding peaks.