Lost Creek Wilderness - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lost Creek Wilderness is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and bird watching. The area is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, making it a perfect place to explore the natural world. Hikers can enjoy challenging trails that wind through fields of wildflowers and forests of aspen and pine. Campers can find solitude in one of the many remote campsites, or they can explore the area's history at one of the many ancient ruins. Fishermen can cast their lines in any of the numerous streams and lakes, while bird watchers can spot a wide variety of species in the trees and meadows. 

Lost Creek Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in Park County, Colorado. It was designated a Wilderness Area in 1980 and covers a total of 135,453 acres. The area is known for its rugged mountain terrain, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Lost Creek Wilderness is home to a variety of animals including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and cougars. The area is also popular with birdwatchers, as it is home to several hundred species of birds. 

The Lost Creek Wilderness was originally inhabited by the Ute Tribe, who used the area for hunting and gathering. In the 1800s, homesteaders began moving into the area and establishing ranches. However, the remote location and difficult terrain made it impractical to farm or ranch on a large scale. As a result, many of the homesteads were abandoned by the early 1900s. In 1939, the U.S. Forest Service acquired much of the land in the Lost Creek Wilderness and began developing it for recreation. Today, the Lost Creek Wilderness is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and fishermen.

Lost Creek Wilderness is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but each season offers its own unique opportunities for exploration and recreation. In the spring, wildflowers blanket the meadows and hiking trails are filled with the sound of songbirds. Summer is the perfect time for fishing and camping, while fall brings stunning views of changing leaves. Winter brings its own kind of magic, with snow-covered forests and a chance to see wildlife like elk and mule deer. 

1. Plan ahead and come prepared. The Lost Creek Wilderness is a remote area with limited cell service and few amenities. Be sure to bring plenty of food, water, and supplies, and familiarize yourself with the area before you go.
2. Stay on designated trails. This will help protect the fragile ecosystem and prevent you from getting lost.
3. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bears and mountain lions, and be cautious when hiking in areas with steep drop-offs.
4.  Don't hike alone. It's always safest to hike with a friend or family member, especially in a wilderness area like Lost Creek.
5. Respect private property . Some areas of the Lost Creek Wilderness are privately owned; please be respectful of posted signs and refrain from trespassing. 
6. camp only in designated areas and build fires only in designated fire pits.

1. The Lost Creek Wilderness is home to some of the tallest peaks in the Front Range, including McClellan Peak (12,433 feet) and Challenger Point (12,174 feet).
2. The area is known for its unique geology, including the remains of an ancient volcano and numerous glaciers.
3. Lost Creek Lake, located in the heart of the wilderness, is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and hiking.
4. There are four major trailheads that provide access to the wilderness: Weston Pass, Teller City, Goose Creek, and Spruce Grove. 
5. A permit is required for all overnight stays in the wilderness (except at Goose Creek Trailhead).

Depending on how much time you have available, it is possible to explore the entire wilderness in a few days, or you can choose to focus on one particular section. For example, if you only have a few hours, you could hike to the top of Mt. Evans or visit the crystal-clear waters of Horseshoe Lake. However, if you have a week or more available, you could attempt to hike the entire Continental Divide Trail. 

To reach the Lost Creek Wilderness in Park County, Colorado, take Highway 285 south from Denver. After about an hour, you'll reach the town of Fairplay. From Fairplay, continue south on Highway 285 for another 16 miles until you reach the Tarryall Road turnoff. Turn onto Tarryall Road and follow it for about 8 miles until it ends at the trailhead for the Lost Creek Wilderness.

The entrance fee for the Lost Creek Wilderness in Park County, Colorado is $5 per person or $10 per family. This fee helps to pay for the maintenance of the wilderness area, including trail upkeep and facilities. 

The wilderness area is open year-round, 24 hours a day.