State: Colorado
Location: Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Length, One-Way: 6.6 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 8960 feet
Maximum Elevation: 11830 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Trail Information
The Three Mile Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail that provides access into the heart of the southern half of the Mt. Evans Wilderness.
The first part of the Three Mile Creek Trail follows Three Mile Creek in a northeasterly direction. The stream and trail are in a narrow canyon with numerous of stream crossings. As the trail turns toward the east, it gradually opens up into a meadow. East of Spearhead Mountain, the trail begins to rise steeply away from the creek in a series of switchbacks. As you ascend these switchbacks, look behind you from time to time for dramatic views to the southwest of Kenosha Pass, South Park and the mountains west and south of Fairplay. At the top of the switchbacks the trail begins heading north. You will still be in trees and gaining elevation, but at a much lower rate than the steep switchbacks. Shortly, you will emerge from the trees into open tundra. Kataka Mountain will be on your left (west) and Mt Evans and Mt Bierstadt will be ahead of you and slightly to the left (north/northwest). Continuing north, the trail descends to meet the Rosalie Trail.
The Three Mile Creek Trail is not shown on the Mt. Evans USGS quad. The hike is rated as moderately difficult due to its Length and elevation gain. It offers spectacular high mountain scenery and vistas. You should be alert to the possible development of summer afternoon storms with their accompanying lightening, particularly above treeline. Because the trail is almost entirely in designated wilderness, wilderness regulations apply.
Directions
From Denver:
Drive southwest from Denver on U. S. Highway 285 approximately 40 miles to Grant. Turn right (north) onto Park County 62 (towards Guanella Pass) and drive 2.8 miles to the trailhead on the right (east) side of the road. There is a limited amount of parking at the trailhead.
Popularity: 2% [?]
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