Review Date
August 13, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: imtnbke ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
The trailhead is at the end of the Rio Grande Reservoir south of Lake City, Colorado. The ride is very difficult but has spectacular views and fabulous riding. Just be ready for extreme conditions and hike-a-bike sections. I was dodging thunderstorms for most of the ride. There was steady but light rain for the hour or so I was above 12,000 feet, and the temperature dropped to 49 degrees (this in mid-July), but I was working so hard both climbing and descending that a light jacket kept me warm.

Recommended Route:
Drive on Highway 149 to the turnoff for the Rio Grande Reservoir, midway between Lake City and Creede. Drive about 20 miles to the Lost Trail campground and park there. Ride west about six or seven miles on Forest Service Road 520. When you get to a sign for (I think) Timber Hill, the road will deteriorate markedly and begin to climb steeply. I walked large parts of it, but the worst lasts only for a mile or two. Descend into a spectacular valley (losing most of the elevation you gained) and begin climbing the Pole Creek Trail singletrack, Nos. 820 and/or 787. I believe you're simultaneously on the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail when you're on 820/787. Several miles later, just below 12,500 feet, you'll find a junction with West Lost Creek Trail, No. 822. This is a magnificent and sometimes challenging descent with elements similar to Monarch Crest Trail, Doctor Park Trail (Gunnison), and Dyke Trail (Crested Butte). Advanced riders will eat it up and find it thrilling. Alas, all good things must come to an end, and you'll reach a junction with the uninspiring Lost Creek Trail, No. 821, which is muddy, sloppy, and ATV-accessible. Go south to your starting point.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Snow Mesa (the Colorado Trail east of Spring Creek Pass).

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