Lost Creek Wilderness Bike Detour

From section 3 of the Colorado Trail immediately west of the Meadows Group Campground the route crosses Forest Service Road 543. This is the Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area. Bikers should turn left on to 543 and travel 3 miles to Wellington Lake. At Wellington Lake 543 intersects with Stoney Pass Road, 560. The elevation of this intersection is 8,032'. Turn left on to 560 traveling southeast toward Stoney Pass. You'll be gaining elevation until you reach the pass, which lies at 8,568'. Continue traveling on this winding forest road for about 13.5 miles. Soon afterward 560 will end at the junction of Forest Road 211. Turn right on to 211 (Matukat Road) traveling in a westerly direction.

Matukat Road makes a sharp left turn, after 3 miles, and begins leading southward. Follow this road past Molly Gulch Campground ( 7,500', 4.5 miles) and Goose Creek Campground (8,100', 7.5 miles). The road continues southward following the eastern boundary of the Lost Creek Wilderness.

After leaving the wilderness boundary the route turns westward and ends at County Road 77, the Tarryall Road. Turn right on 77 heading northwest toward Tarryall. It's approximately 5.5 miles from 211 to Tarryall. The first mile will be on paved road and gravel for the remainder. A few miles beyond Tarryall is the entrance to Spruce Grove Campground. Pass this entrance and pedal approximately 17 miles to County Road 39. Turn right on 39 and travel north 5.5 miles to Forest Road 127 a.k.a. Lost Park Road. Turn right on 127 and travel 2 miles east to the turn for Forest Road 133, which should be marked for the Rock Creek Trailhead as well. Within 1.5 miles you'll reach the Colorado Trail amid segment 5.

Directions from Denver: Eastern Access: Drive south on 285 to Bailey. In Bailey turn right on to County Road 68. This eventually turns into Forest Road 560. Pass Estabrook and continue traveling on 560 for approximately a mile to a fork in the road. Take the right fork, which is Wellington Lake Road #543. Drive about 3 miles to the Rolling Creek Trailhead on the western side of the road. You can park here and travel southward on 543 to reach the route described here.

Directions from Colorado Springs: Eastern Access: Drive west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park. Turn right on Highway 67 toward Deckers. When you reach Deckers turn left on County Road 126. Follow 126 past Wigwam and Kelsey Campgrounds to Forest Road 550. Turn left on to 550 and follow it to the second junction with 543 (Wellington Lake Road). Turn on to the road leading to Meadows Group Campground. This is where the description begins.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: April through November .

Colorado Trail (Long Gulch Trailhead to Kenosha Pa - This segment of the Colorado Trail leads users 14 miles from Long Gulch Trailhead to Kenosha Pass. The first few miles are within the Lost Creek Wilderness boundary and closed to mechanized and motorized travel.

Colorado Trail (Wellington Lake Road to Long Gulch - Long Gulch Trailhead is located approximately 11 miles east of Highway 285 on Lost Park Road. Hikers and Horseback riders may gain access to the Lost Creek Wilderness via the Colorado Trail from this site.

Goose Creek Campground - Goose Creek Campground consists of ten individual campsites with a table, fire ring and parking spur. Recreational opportunities from this site include hiking, horseback riding and fishing.

Meadows Group Site - Meadows Group Campground consists of two available camping areas. Camping areas are equipped with several tables, fire rings, and large parking areas.

Molly Gulch Campground - Molly Gulch Campground is located approximately 11 miles southwest of the small town of Deckers. This campground consists of 15 individual family campsites.

Spruce Grove Campground - Spruce Grove Campground consists of 26 individual family campsites. It provides access to hiking, biking, backpacking and fishing opportunities.

Twin Eagles Picnic Ground - Twin Eagles Campground is located approximately 15 miles northwest of the small town of Lake George, Colorado. Fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding are accessible from this site.