Trout Creek

Trout Creek is an out-and-back hike in the Divide Ranger District of Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest, on land managed by the Forest Service. The round trip covers about 11.5 miles and is rated moderate. The route stays high, ranging between roughly 9,100 and 9,600 feet. Expect about 1,000 feet of climbing one way, though the high and low points sit less than 500 feet apart, so the gain adds up over repeated ups and downs rather than one sustained ascent. The surface is natural tread, and both mountain bikes and horses are allowed, so you may share the trail. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation put summer highs near 68°F in June and 72°F in July, with lows dropping to the 30s and 40s. July and August average about 15 wet days each, so June and September tend to be drier. For more hiking close by, West Trout is about 3 miles away, with Ivy Creek and East Trout a little farther. Ivy Creek Campground, about 3 miles off, is the closest place to camp.