Pine Creek Trail to Intersection with the Trail Date: Wednesday, 5 September 2012

Destination: Low elevation hike along the Pine Creek Valley Type of hike: Day hike, out-and-back Difficulty: Moderate Total distance: 8.25 miles Start elevation: 8900 feet Highest elevation: 10,400 feet Total climb: 1500 feet Approx Hiking time: 6 hrs (including breaks and lunch) Pace: Relaxed to moderate Trail conditions: Class 1 on trail all the way Highlights: Views of Mt Oxford and Mt Belford, beautiful views of Pine Creek, beaver dams, and cascades Maps: Trails Illustrated #129 Meeting Location/Time: Parking area northwest side of Trout Creek Pass Summit, 7:30 AM

Special Conditions: There is one very short stretch of very minor exposure, which may be avoided by using a stock trail. The first ½ mile of the trail is on private property. There is a $1.00/person honor system charge for using the trailhead and crossing the property. Dogs are allowed, honor charge is $2.00/dog. We will cross briefly into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness where wilderness rules apply.

Directions to Trailhead: From Trout Creek Pass proceed west on US 24 to Johnson Village, then North through Buena Vista. From Buena Vista is it approximately 12 miles north on US 24. Turn west (left) on CR 388 for about a mile to the trailhead. Four wheel drive , high clearance vehicles are desirable. It is about a 45-50 minute drive.

Hike overview: From the trailhead we start hiking south across private property. The trail turns gradually west and gently ascends. Generally we will follow Pine Creek up the valley. Views of the creek get more stunning as we proceed. The whole area is elk summer range with winter range found in its northern and eastern portions. Several elk calving areas are scattered across the RA, and the large Arkansas Valley migration corridor runs along its eastern edge. Mule deer find summer range across the whole area, with winter range on the extreme eastern side and out into the Arkansas Valley. American peregrine falcon has been recorded on the east side. Bighorn sheep production area and winter ranges are located in the Pine Creek drainage, with summer range across the north part of the part area. Mountain lion and black bear are found here. The whole area is lynx habitat, including winter and denning habitat in the western half, and radio-collared lynx have been recorded by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in the vicinity. A linkage for lynx goes from the Collegiate Peak Wilderness across the Pine Creek Roadless Area to the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness in the complex

Leader: Dawn Brown. For more info, or to sign up, contact Dawn at 850-545-0351 or by email [email protected]