Pike National Forest
Goose Creek Trail #612

This 9.4 mile trail in the Lost Creek Wilderness is rated as more difficult. It sees most of its traffic in summer and fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 8,220'
• High Point: 10,140'
• Trail ending: 9,500'

Access: From Lake George turn north on the Tarryall Road and go to Forest Road 211. Turn northeast and follow FR 211 to the trailhead at the Lost Creek Wilderness boundary.

Notes: This popular trail is a primary north-south route in the southeastern part of the Lost Creek Wilderness. Along the route you'll find primitive campsites, good fishing in Goose Creek and some great outcroppings of red Pikes Peak granite. Goose Creek intersects with McCurdy Park Trail, Hankins Pass Trail and ends at the Wigwam Trail in Wigwam Park.

From the trailhead, the trail heads downhill to a wooden footbridge across Hankins Creek. On the other side of the bridge is the point where the Hankins Pass Trail heads left and the Goose Creek Trail heads right. A little more than 1/2 mile in, you'll come to Goose Creek itself and cross it on a metal footbridge. The trail then follows the stream north. As the valley opens up and displays the spires and domes characteristic of the area, the trail starts to rise away from the creek. Before crossing the ridge leading to Watkins Gulch, you'll see a sign pointing to the "shaft house" remnants. Watkins Gulch is crossed fairly quickly and then, at a high point on the other side, you'll come to the junction with the McCurdy Park Trail. Goose Creek Trail bears right and heads up to a saddle on the east side of a distinctive leaning granite pinnacle before crossing the ridge and dropping into Wigwam Park. Shortly after that the trail ends at the intersection with the Wigwam Trail.

USGS Maps: Cheeseman Lake, McCurdy Mountain

Trail map