Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Pawnee National Grassland

Trails
Clear Creek Ranger District

Hiking

• Backcountry Leave No Trace Ethics
• Safety Tips
• Checklist of Day Use Gear

Hiking Trails:

With over 100 miles of hiking trails on the Clear Creek Ranger District, an adventure awaits you in the mountains. Due to the steep topography and rugged terrain, trails are moderate to difficult. The diversity of elevation gained, offers hikers a chance to experience different ecosystems. You could enjoy a peaceful walk through wooded forest, observe a forest rebuilding itself after a wildfire, or hike above treeline where another world awaits you. The trails listed are by no means all of the trails in the district. Some trails travel through the Mount Evans Wilderness where several different rules apply.

Backcountry Leave No Trace Ethics

Litter and debris can mar the quality of a recreation experience. Help others enjoy the national forest by carrying out what you carry in. Pack out all trash.

Pack out or bury human waste at least 200 feet from all open water and trails. Pack out all toilet paper.

Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks, or walk beside the trail, even when the trail is muddy or snowy. On the tundra, try to step on rocks instead of plants. Tundra plants take many years to grow, and many more years to regenerate.

Respect private property and "No Trespass" signs. Do not enter buildings. Notify proper authorities if you find evidence of vandalism.

Use of camp stoves is suggested, especially above treeline where wood is scarce or non-existant. Open fires are not permitted on the east side of the Divide in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and in several areas of the west side. If you make a fire, keep it small, make it on non-flammable surfaces or dig a shallow fire pit to mineral soil. Burn only dead and downed wood. Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure it is dead out before you leave. Return the area to its natural state by scattering ashes and filling the fire pit.

Do not pollute streams and lakes with soap. Carry the water at least 200 feet from the source. Use biodegradable soap and dump the waste water 200 feet from lakes and streams.

Leave the flowers and other natural or cultural objects for others to enjoy. State and federal laws prohibit the collecting of historic and prehistoric artifacts.

Observe animals from a safe distance. Keep your pets under control. State laws prohibit feeding, chasing or disturbing wildlife.

If you camp, choose a site 200 feet or more from streams, lakes and trails, and out of sight if possible. Camp on a non-vegetated site if you can, to avoid killing the plant life. Please do not build any structures at your campsite.

PDF Map of Clear Creek Ranger District Hiking Trails

PDF Map of Mount Evans Wilderness Trails

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to read pdf files, please download it to your computer.

Back to Recreation Page

Contact Us

USDA Forest Service, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland
Website comments? Please let us know.
Last modified May 26, 2006