As the winter months approach, consider exploring the Lost Creek Wilderness area. Located close to Denver, this area offers excellent hiking (and sometimes snowshoeing) all winter long. Lost Creek is usually accessible year-round and offers good hiking trails with little danger from avalanches. South-facing slopes are often largely snow-free; you may encounter deep snow on north-facing slopes.
Popularized by Gerry and Jennifer Roach in their guidebook “Colorado’s Lost Creek Wilderness,” this has now become a favorite winter playground for many Front Range hikers and climbers. I recommend this area for experienced mountaineers and also for those new to winter in the mountains.
Hike description
From the trailhead, cross the footbridge and head up the Ute Creek Trail (No. 629). Initially paralleling Tarryall Creek, the trail soon turns northeast into the Ute Creek drainage and climbs at a steady grade for 4 miles to the trail junction at a small saddle (Waypoint “Trail junction”). Turn right on the often-snowy Brookside/McCurdy trail as it heads east and then northeast for 0.9 miles to a point on the south ridge of Bison Peak known as Bison Arm, at an elevation of 11,897 feet. As you leave treeline on the switchbacks below Bison Arm you will likely encounter stiff winds – a good place to add a layer or two of warm clothing.
Leave the trail on Bison Arm and head northeast on tundra; stay to the right of the first rock outcrop. Drop down slightly toward the landmark known informally as the Bison Pinnacle. This rock pinnacle offers technical rock routes for those so inclined.
From the pinnacle continue on toward the obvious summit of Bison Peak to your north along the Arm. Take easy, grassy slopes in the general direction of the summit.
As you approach the summit block aim for grassy slopes to the right of the rocky summit and spiral around from the east side to the north side, finally reaching the very top on the west side at 12,431 feet. Enjoy the views of this amazing area before heading back.
Dave Cooper is author of “Colorado Scrambles: A Guide to 50 Select Climbs in Colorado’s Mountains.”
