State: Colorado
Location: Gunnison National Forest
Length, Round Trip: 7 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Minimum Elevation: 9160 feet
Maximum Elevation: 12598 feet
Elevation Change: 3438 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Light
Trail Information
The Canyon Creek-Horseshoe Creek Loop provides many opportunities for hiking and backpacking loops. A 12.5 mile loop can be created by combining the Canyon Creek Trail (#481) and the Horseshoe Creek Trail (#482).
This loop begins from Forest Road 888 where the Canyon Creek Trail intersects with the road. The trail follows Canyon Creek for almost two miles to a fork. From this fork, the Canyon Creek Trail continues left and Horseshoe Creek Trail heads off on the right. You can go either way to create a loop out of these trails. From the fork start out on the Horseshoe Creek Trail and head about three miles northeast to Stella Mountain. Less than a mile north of Stella Mountain, the Horseshoe Creek Trail joins up with the Canyon Creek Trail. From this trail junction the Canyon Creek Trail heads northeast toward Tomichi Pass and southwest toward Snowblind Campground. To complete the loop, turn left and head back on the Canyon Creek Trail less than two miles southwest of this junction the trail again meets Canyon Creek. The Canyon Creek Trail follows the stream back to the trailhead.
Directions
From Gunnison:
Drive east on Highway 50 about 1.5 miles past Sargents. Turn left on Whitepine Road (Forest Road 888) and drive toward the Snowblind Campground. Head north on Whitepine Road for about seven miles and look for the Horseshoe Creek Trail sign on the left side of the road.
