Basics
- Location:
- Near Steamboat Springs
- Setting:
- Mountainous
- Length:
- 15 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 8 to 9 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 8400 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 2800 feet
- Season:
- Summer - Early Fall
Description
Trail #1150
Gold Creek Lake, named in the late 1800's by an early explorer named Charles Franz, is a popular destination within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. It offers a beautiful 8 acre lake thickly forested by fir and lodgepole. Heavily shaded, the trail winds through thick forest, passes a 35 foot waterfall, and follows Gold Creek most of the way to the lake. Due to the popularity and the easy accessibility of this trail, this area receives some of the highest use of any area in this wilderness. This trail is not suggested if you are seeking solitude. Overuse and abuse have led to implementing special regulations in hopes of revegetation. Regulations prohibit camping within 1/4 mile of the lake. Please camp elsewhere using low impact techniques or visit Gold Creek Lake on day hikes.
Beginning your hike at Slavonia on the 1161, the trail will quickly fork; stay right to begin Gold Creek Lake Trail 1150, turn left to remain on 1161 accessing either Gilpin Lake or Mica Lake Trail #1162 further up the trail. Continuing with the 1150 trail, you will enter the Mount Zirkel Wilderness after 1.00 miles. Once you've reached the north end of the lake, the trail forks east (right) continuing towards the continental divide (1101) or north (straight) continuing on 1150. Continuing on 1150, the trail will fork again. Remaining on 1150, you travel on a fading trail towards Ute Pass and Red Dirt Pass. If you turn left at the fork, you have joined 1161, Gilpin Lake Trail which will take you back to the Slavonia trailhead.
Tour Companies
Vista Verde Guest Ranch - Hiking
- Near Steamboat Springs
- Hiking
- 970-879-3858
At Vista Verde Ranch, hiking is one of the many activities you can try during your all-inclusive Colorado ranch vacation. Our guides offer a customized outdoor experience whether you want to rock climb, mountain bike, fly fish or horseback ride.Helpful Links
Tour Companies
Vista Verde Guest Ranch - Hiking
- Near Steamboat Springs
- Hiking
- 970-879-3858
Details
Location:
Setting:
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Change:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Take HWY 40 west of Steamboat Springs about 2 miles and turn right on to County Road 129. Travel north about 18 miles to the Seedhouse Road (FDR 400; also CR 64) and turn right. Continue for about 10 miles to the end at the Slavonia trailhead parking.
