Colorado Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

Ben Tyler Trail No. 606

Contact Info
Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
19316 Goddard Ranch Ct.
Morrison, CO 80465

Phone:
303-275-5610
Basics
Length:
11.4 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate,
Difficult
Time:
8 - 9 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
8260 feet
Elevation Range:
8260 feet to 11650 feet
Elevation Change:
3390 feet
Season:
Summer to Fall

Description

Beginning at the North Ben Tyler Trailhead, the trail climbs steeply in a series of switchbacks. Please do not cut across these switchbacks. After the last switchback, the trail becomes less steep up to a crossing of Ben Tyler Creek. At this point the trail gradient increases and the valley tightens. There are few areas along this section of trail suitable for camping. The final section up to the Craig Park Trail junction is a series of long switchbacks that, when traversing east, offer spectacular views down Ben Tyler Gulch. The Craig Park Trail junction is marked by a sign indicating the Craig Park Trail to the left (east), and the Ben Tyler Trail to the right (west). The trail continues to climb, crossing Ben Tyler Creek again, to a high saddle above treeline, which offers some spectacular views. From here the trail descends to the south into the Rock Creek drainage. As you near the trailhead, you pass the remains of an old lumber camp. At the small South Ben Tyler Trailhead, you can continue hiking down the road and, where the road leaves the creek, continue following the trail down along the creek to join the Colorado Trail a short distance downstream.

Details

Length:
11.4 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Difficult
Time:
8 - 9 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
8260
Elevation Range:
8260 feet to 11650
Elevation Change:
3390
Season:
Summer to Fall
Additional Details:

This popular trail is named for Ben Tyler, who lived with his family in the gulch that bears his name. He operated a lumber mill during gold rush days, hauling the sawed timber over the ridge and into Fairplay. In 1903 a 3,000 acre fire burned up and out the end of Ben Tyler Gulch and is responsible for the huge aspen grove dominating the valley.

Major attractions include the numerous and colorful wildflowers in late spring and early summer. The trail also offers spectacular views to the north and south from its high point, and the changing colors in September, particularly in the large aspen groves in Ben Tyler Gulch, are outstanding. Because the trail is almost entirely in designated wilderness except for about a mile at each end, Wilderness regulations apply.

Map + Directions


Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guides below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Denver. More Visitor Guides are available in Colorado. Click here to view them all!

Colorado Springs Colorado Springs Colorado Springs
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Ski Utah Ski Utah Ski Utah
Utah
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.