East Fork
- 29.8 mi
- round trip
- 5,832 ft
- climb
- 11,607 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is East Fork open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 3 alerts for Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
Access Impact: Big Creek Lakes Dam Project
Agency alert covering Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest · USFS · Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
Trail & Access Impact: Stillwater Reservoir Project
Agency alert covering Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest · USFS · Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
Snowy Range - 2026 Active Vegetation Operations
Agency alert covering Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest · USFS · Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
East Fork is a hard hike in Colorado's Flat Tops Wilderness, part of the Yampa Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 29.8 miles, with a total elevation gain of about 5,832 feet. The low point sits at 8,423 feet, and the high point reaches 11,607 feet. The trail is on natural surface, and horses are allowed. The Forest Service manages the land, and the East Fork Trailhead is the parking for the route. The trail is open year-round. The climb is long and steep, so plan on a full day or more. The route is rated hard, and the high point makes it a significant objective for anyone heading into the wilderness. Nearby, Lost Lakes is about 1.8 miles away and West Lost Lake about 2.5 miles. Sheriff's Reservoir Campground and Vaughan Lake Campground are both within about 5 miles for anyone planning an overnight stay.
Local outfitters
- Flat Tops Wilderness Guides19 mi away
- Rancho Del Rio33 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
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