One of the greatest things about this trail, besides the fact that it’s in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, is that it can be easy or moderate at several different lengths, depending on your time frame and/or level of ambition. The area is well known for its beauty, user-friendliness, wildflowers and mixed forests.
What Makes It Great
Take your pick between two trails both leading from the south end of the Indian Creek Trail and Campground parking lot in Pike National Forest (trail #800, past the rest station). There's a self-pay station and day use fee, which is best paid to avoid a ticket and to help support the park system. The trail starts off nice and easy as it meanders through dense wooded forest. Along the way, there are some nice views of the ridge, and after a relatively mellow climb, these views only get better. After about 1.5-miles, a multi-use junction (Indian Creek Trail and Ringtail Trail) is where you can decide whether to do the long trail (14 miles out to Roxborough State Park and back) or the short one (3 miles on the fire road). Either way, come prepared with rain gear and water because you never know what kind of Colorado weather you might get. Whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at you, though, this is one trail you won't soon forget.
Who is Going to Love It
While the trails are easy or moderate at several different lengths, depending on your time frame and/or level of ambition, it's still a place for people who can put in several miles at a time. If you are in shape for it, the payoff is the amazing views!
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
To get to the trailhead, drive 11 miles SW of Sedalia on Highway 67, and the parking area will be on the right.
