| Rolling Creek Trail #663 provides access into the northeast side of the Lost Creek Wilderness. The first third of the trail south from the trailhead is an easy, pleasant hike following gently rolling terrain. However, the second two thirds of the trail is quite steep. Downed trees often block the trail up the tight canyon on the north side.The trail passes around to the west of the Castle and offers some very dramatic views of this well-known peak. This trail, in conjunction with the Colorado Trail, Wigwam Trail and Goose Creek Trail, offer some interesting loops for backpack trips. The gentle first section of the trail, up to the Wilderness boundary, is popular with mountain bikers, but the rest of the trail is entirely in designated wilderness. Mountain bikes are prohibited and Wilderness regulations apply.From the trailhead at end of the road, the Colorado Trail bears right (west) and the Rolling Creek Trail heads left (east). The first part of this trail is very easy to hike, with only minor "ups and downs" and small stream crossings. Just after crossing the much larger Rolling Creek, the Wilderness boundary is reached. Soon thereafter, a tight canyon is entered and the trail becomes very steep. As you climb out of the canyon, the view to the north opens up with views of the Castle, the granite along upper Rolling Creek, and the mountains in the distance.The high point of the trail is a saddle between the Rolling Creek and Wigwam Creek drainages. From the saddle the trail continues south down into Wigwam Park, where it meets the Wigwam Trail. |
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