Lost Creek Wilderness Loop
~4 days · 23.9 mi · hard · Loop
Quick facts
What the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop is known for
A 25-mile loop through Colorado's Lost Creek Wilderness south of Denver, starting from the Goose Creek Trailhead and traversing Goose Creek Trail north to the McCurdy Park Trail junction, then crossing west through McCurdy Park before returning east via Brookside-McCurdy and Hankins Pass Trail. The wilderness is renowned for bizarre granite formations and a creek that repeatedly disappears underground and resurfaces, drawing hikers seeking solitude and geological wonder over 2–4 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 26,598 ft to 35,791 ft over 23.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 11.3 mi · 47%
- Downhill 10.7 mi · 45%
- Flat 1.8 mi · 8%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop scores 29/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 23.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop?
The Lost Creek Wilderness Loop climbs roughly 6,001 ft total — about 251 ft per mile, topping out near 10,909 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.