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ACORD: Lost Creek worth finding, even if it takes all day

By Deb Acord, Special to the Rocky

Published October 6, 2008 at 6 p.m.

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If trails get extra points for details like old-growth forest, hissing waterfalls and tranquil ponds, the Wigwam Trail is a high scorer.

Originally a cattle trail, Wigwam wanders from east to west through the Lost Creek Wilderness Area drainage. It begins in a section of the wilderness area that was destroyed during the Hayman fire of 2002.

But only the first quarter-mile is charred, and soon you find yourself in a healthy forest, crossing the creek several times on log bridges as you head steadily uphill. The trail is dark and shaded here as it follows the creek. After about four miles, you'll emerge from the trees into Wigwam Park, a boggy area of willows and ponds filled with tiny brook trout. At the park, you'll find intersections with two other popular Lost Creek trails: Goose Creek and Rolling Creek.

Continue and you'll reach a steeper section with rock towers edging one side of the trail. Crest the saddle and head downhill on your way to Lost Park, a campground about 11.5 miles from your start. For the last half of the hike, the trail meanders by dark green conifer forests that will make day-hikers wish they'd packed camping gear.

At a glance

* What: Wigwam Trail

* Where: Lost Creek Wilderness

* To get there: From Denver, take U.S. 285 for 23 miles to Pine Junction. Turn left onto County Road 126 and drive 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 211 (Goose Creek Road). After a mile, turn right onto FS 560 to Wellington Lake. Drive 2.5 miles and turn right again, drive 2.5 more miles and watch for the Wigwam Trail marker. Turn left onto a dirt road and drive 1.4 miles to a parking area. Depending on its condition, this road may require a high-clearance vehicle.

* Watch for: great horned owls, mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer

* Best part: the quiet

* Difficulty of hike: moderate

* Details: In the Lost Creek Wilderness; about 11.5 miles one way. Shorter versions also offer variety. About 1,340 feet in elevation gain. No motorized travel or bicycles allowed; dogs allowed on leash; dispersed camping allowed (follow Leave No Trace guidelines). Not handicapped-accessible. Areas suitable for rock climbing, backcountry fishing.

* More information: Pike-San Isabel National Forest, www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/ recreation/trails/spk_spl_ wigwam_trail.shtml