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This wilderness trail affords stunning vistas, summer wildflowers, and fall foliage.


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Map Key

11.7

Miles

18.9

KM

79%

Runnable

11,661' 3,554 m

High

8,286' 2,526 m

Low

3,564' 1,086 m

Up

2,116' 645 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Since the trail is almost entirely within the Lost Creek Wilderness, wilderness restrictions apply. There is a mandatory self-issuing permit system at the beginning of the wilderness area that runners and backpackers are obliged to fill out.

Description

Beginning at the North Ben Tyler Trailhead, the trail immediately starts with a set of moderately steep switchbacks. After the last switchback, you'll cross Ben Tyler Creek, resuming a steep climb. Along this section, there are established campsites that can be found and used.

The final section up to the Craig Park Trail junction is a series of long switchbacks that, when traversing east, offer spectacular views down Ben Tyler Gulch. You'll maintain a southwestern course past the junction with Craig Park Trail #608. The trail continues to climb, crossing Ben Tyler Creek again, to a high saddle above the tree line, which offers some spectacular views. You'll start to descend at this point, passing an old lumber camp and joining CT - Segment 5, ending at the Rock Creek Trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

There are a plethora of colorful wildflowers in late spring and early summer, and fall brings stunning color changes to the aspen groves on the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Luke Snow

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 14 votes

#8851

Overall
  4.0 from 14 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#693

in Colorado

#8,851

Overall
17 Views Last Month
4,685 Since Mar 22, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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45%
36%
18%
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Photos

Rock Creek Gulch
Sep 15, 2020 near Jefferson, CO
Fallen aspen leaves on the Ben Taylor Trail.
Oct 18, 2020 near Bailey, CO
View to the south from the highpoint of the Ben Taylor Trail.
Oct 18, 2020 near Bailey, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 96 days ago
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Aug 11, 2024
Jordan G
Looped Ben Taylor--> Craig Park-->Brookside McCurdy-->Brookside AG--> dirt road-->285. 20.5mi — 5h 20m
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