Colorado · Hiking

Red Creek

14.9 mi
round trip
2,371 ft
climb
11,188 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Red Creek 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.

Red Creek is a hard hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Eagle Ranger District. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from about 8,390 feet to about 11,188 feet, with a total elevation gain of 2,371 feet over roughly 14.9 miles. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is natural-surfaced and open year-round. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The climb is long and steep, so plan on a full day. The most comfortable stretch for a visit is typically July, when typical averages from a nearby weather station run to a high of 73°F and a low of 39°F. That station sits about 1,450 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. The Sundell and Muckey Lake hikes both start within a mile. Antones, a lake fishing spot, is about 4 miles away, and Little Maud Campground is about 8 miles away.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Red Creek

    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

      31° / 3°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 3°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      39° / 9°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      44° / 18°

      8 wet

    5. May

      55° / 27°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      68° / 34°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      73° / 39°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      70° / 38°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      62° / 31°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 23°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 14°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 6°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sugarloaf Rsvr, CO, 30.3 mi away at 9,738 ft. The station sits about 1,500 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.