Hankins Pass Trail #630 - Colorado Springs, CO

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Hankins Pass Trail #630


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Hankins Pass Trail #630 is the southernmost trail in the Lost Creek Wilderness. The trail is easy to follow and heads in a general westerly direction.

From the east, the trail gives the hiker a gradually rising climb up Hankins Gulch through dense forest to pleasant open meadows and aspen groves. From the junction with the Lake Park Trail at the top of Hankins Pass, the trail drops down the west side of the Tarryall Mountains to a junction with the Lizard Rock Trail coming up from the Spruce Grove Trailhead, and then continues to descend to meet the Brookside-McCurdy Trail.

From the Goose Creek Trailhead, hike downhill to a footbridge across Hankins Gulch. Just across the creek the Hankins Pass Trail heads west, while the Goose Creek Trail goes east (right).

Climbing at first up through a forested valley, the trail eventually reaches a series of open meadows surrounded by aspen groves. The trail from here to the pass is very scenic in late September when the aspen leaves are changing color. At the top of Hankins Pass is a junction with the Lake Park Trail. That trail heads north (right) toward Lake Park, while the Hankins Pass Trail begins it's descent to the west.

The grade on the west side of the pass is quite a bit steeper than the gradual rise up to the pass from the east. After a short descent, the trail reaches the wilderness boundary and the junction with the Lizard Rock Trail.

The Lizard Rock Trail leads south to the Spruce Grove Campground, while the Hankins Pass Trail continues down in a northwesterly direction to its end at the junction with the Brookside-McCurdy Trail. If visitors head south from this junction on Brookside-McCurdy Trail they will reach the Twin Eagles Trailhead.

Facilities: There are some facilities available at Hankins Pass Trail #630. Water is available at the Goose Creek, Twin Eagles, and Spruce Grove trailheads. Backcountry water is also available.

Reservations: Reservations are not accepted at Hankins Pass Trail #630.

Best Time To Visit: Hankins Pass Trail #630 is open all year, its best times are spring, summer and fall.

Fees: A parking fee may be charged.

Accessibility: This area is not handicap accessible.

Rules: Because the trail is entirely in designated wilderness, wilderness regulations apply.

Directions: To get to Hankins Pass Trail #630 from:

Denver: Goose Creek Trailhead: Drive west from Denver on US 285 for 23 miles to Pine Junction. Turn south (left) at Pine Junction on to Jefferson County 126 toward Pine and Buffalo Creek. Drive 21.8 miles on Jefferson County 126. Turn south (right) onto Forest Road 211 that leads toward Cheesman Reservoir. Travel 2 miles and bear west (right) at the sign pointing to Goose Creek. Drive 1.1 miles in a westerly direction to a fork in the road. Bear left at the fork and stay on Forest Road 211. From this fork drive 5.2 miles to a road intersection south of Molly Gulch Campground. Turn right and drive 4.7 miles to the Goose Creek Trailhead access road. Half way along this road visitors will pass Goose Creek Campground. At the trailhead access sign turn west (right) and drive 1.3 miles to the trailhead parking. The Hankins Pass Trail begins at the junction with the Goose Creek Trail just down the hill from the trailhead.

Colorado Springs: Drive north on I-25 to Denver. From Denver, stay on US 285 for 23 miles to Pine Junction. Turn south (left) at Pine Junction on to Jefferson County 126 toward Pine and Buffalo Creek. Drive 21.8 miles on Jefferson County 126. Turn south (right) onto Forest Road 211 that leads toward Cheesman Reservoir. Travel 2 miles and bear west (right) at the sign pointing to Goose Creek. Drive 1.1 miles in a westerly direction to a fork in the road. Bear left at the fork and stay on Forest Road 211. From this fork drive 5.2 miles to a road intersection south of Molly Gulch Campground. Turn right and drive 4.7 miles to the Goose Creek Trailhead access road. Half way along this road visitors will pass Goose Creek Campground. At the trailhead access sign turn west (right) and drive 1.3 miles to the trailhead parking. The Hankins Pass Trail begins at the junction with the Goose Creek Trail just down the hill from the trailhead.

Attractions Near
Hankins Pass Trail #630

Brookside-McCurdy Trail #607
Goose Creek Trail #612
Lizard Rock Trail #658
Lost Creek Wilderness
McCurdy Park Trail #628
The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland

Address

South Platte Ranger District

19316 Goddard Ranch Court

Morrison, Colorado 80465

Phone
General: (303) 275-5610

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