Bard Creek Trail

Bard Creek Trail in the Arapaho/Roosevelt Forests begins at the end of National Forest System Road 777 at a dirt parking lot. The last 3 miles of this road might require a 4-wheel drive vehicle, or you can park at the end of County Road 252 and walk to the trailhead. Along the way are several abandoned mines that might pique your interest. There is one toilet along the trail, at the Herman Gulch trailhead, but no water except in creeks and streams. Be sure to treat your drinking water for safety. 

Bard Creek follows a ridge north of the town of Georgetown, with furtastic views of the town and the Continental Divide. While this is a multi-use trail, you'll see few bicyclists and runners because of the difficulty posed by the many rocks and boulders. The trail takes you and your fur-buddy up steep hills and along ridges that afford delightful vistas of the mountains surrounding you. Mountain meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer attract birds, bees and butterflies, and other wildlife abounds in the form of moose, bears, hawks and marmots. 

The dense forest through which you and Fido meander offers groves of aspen along with the omnipresent firs and pines.Your fur-buddy will be bombarded from all sides with sounds and smells,  so be sure to keep a firm grip on the leash. While pink markers line the trail, it's sometimes difficult to follow, and a GPS would serve you well. The trail ends at its junction with Interstate 70, also known as Silver Valley Road. A view of Bard Peak ahead is your final view before heading back the way you came or riding back in the vehicle you've arranged to be waiting. Camping is possible for backpackers, and wilderness rules apply regarding campfires, waste removal and bear canisters. Bring water to share, and clean up bags to use along the way.

The Bard Creek Trail is open year-round and is hikeable except during the worst weather and deepest snow. June through October is the best time for most. You and your fur-baby will love this rolling route that features a new view around every corner!