Lost Creek National Wilderness Area – near Bailey and Fairplay, CO

Designated as a Wilderness Area by the United States Congress in 1980, the Lost Creek Wilderness now contains over 110,000 acres of land, all of which is located in Colorado. The Lost Creek Wilderness can be found within the Pike National Forest.

The name of the wilderness area was taken from Lost Creek, which was designated as a National National Landmark in 1966 and is called the Lost Creek Scenic Area. The natural landmark itself got its name from the fact that Lost Creek has a tendency to disappear underground and reappear downstream.

Lost Creek National Wilderness Area Fall Colors — Autumn colors in the Lost Creek National Wilderness Area. Photo: Stephen Bentsen

Other than that, this sprawling wilderness is famous for its gorgeous topographical features, such as natural granite arches, domes, split boulders, and more. Wildlife such as bears, deer, and bobcats among others also call this region their home.

Activities

Almost all of the common recreational activities can be done in the The Lost Creek Wilderness, but its proximity to Denver is probably its most inviting feature. Because it is so close to such a bustling city, the wilderness area is popular among casual hikers and backpackers. This includes families with their children.

Lost Creek Wilderness Granite Rocks Colorado — Granite rocks dominate the Lost Creek landscape. Photo: Hogs555

For people who are looking for solitude, be aware that The Lost Creek Wilderness receives fairly regular human use.

Read about the Camping near Jefferson, around South Park.

Getting there

The Lost Creek Wilderness is located about 60 miles southwest of Denver. It has over 130 miles of trails with several access points. The Forest Service recommends that visitors bring a map to help them get around the sprawling wilderness.