Colorado · Hiking

North Lost

North LostPhoto: snowpeak, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
3.5 mi
round trip
1,393 ft
climb
10,466 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is North Lost open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

North Lost is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Sopris Ranger District. The trail runs about 3.5 miles, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,393 feet, from a low point of 9,075 feet to a high of 10,466 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is called North Lost Creek Trailhead. The route is natural-surfaced and allows horses, and bikes are not permitted. The trail is open year-round, and the parking is at the North Lost Creek Trailhead. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Crested Butte, which sits about 1,600 feet lower, show July highs around 76°F with lows near 40°F. That station's winter highs hover in the mid-20s. Nearby, the Arkansas Mountain Trail 1965 lies about 1.4 miles away, and the Crystal River and Raspberry Creek hikes are each about 2 miles off. Marble RV Park and Campground is about 2.4 miles away.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit North Lost

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      26° / -7°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      29° / -2°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      38° / 7°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      47° / 19°

      9 wet

    5. May

      58° / 28°

      8 wet

    6. Jun

      70° / 34°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      76° / 40°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 38°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      66° / 31°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      54° / 22°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 9°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / -4°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Crested Butte, CO, 16.7 mi away at 8,867 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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