North Fork Clear Creek Trail

Immerse yourself in Colorado’s high country by hiking through the sub-alpine terrain along the North Fork Clear Creek Trail. Perfect for families, novice hikers, and those acclimating to the area’s altitude, this trek caters to adventurers of all sorts. Traveling through the luxuriant meadowlands offers panoramic views of the mountainous landscape, but it also means warm conditions in the summer. Be sure to wear a sunhat and begin your adventure before noon on hot days.

Departing from the trailhead, the North Fork Clear Creek Trail heads southwest through the meadowlands. As you walk, enjoy the relaxing sounds of the babbling waters of the North Fork Clear Creek. There will be the odd towering pine providing shade, but these are sparse, so enjoy the sun breaks when you can. Winfield Peak and Virginia Peak line the east with impressive cliffs and provide a gateway to the rest of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

Revel in the view of the dramatic mountains before reaching the trail’s end, where you will turn around and begin your return. As you hike back to the trailhead, you will be rewarded with impressive sights of La Plata Peak looming above in the north. The end of your adventure is marked by your return to the trailhead.