The Saint Louis Creek area accesses a number of trails in the wilderness west of Fraser. Day hiking and mountain biking are the main draw to this recreation area within the Arapaho National Forest.
You can access the national forest within 10 minute drive of town. It’s a popular trail system for 4×4 off highway driving.
Activities
Biking – Bikes share the roads and are permitted on most trails.
Camping – There are 2 campgrounds on St. Louis Creek Rd 160, first-come, first-serve, open late May.
- Saint Louis Creek – 16 non-electric sites, RV’s or tents (info)
- Byers Creek – 6 non-electric sites (info)
- Dispersed camping can be found on Elk Creek Rd 158 and further south in Vasquez Ridge near Winter Park.
Hiking Trails – All the trailheads are marked on the way down Co Rd 73.
- Deadhorse Creek – 7 mile loop.
- Mt. Nystrom – 16 mile round trip.
- St Louis Lake – 7 miles out and back, (info)
- Byers Peak – 4.4 miles one-way up to 12,804 ft.
Winter – Snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing on trails. Deadhorse Creek is great for snowshoeing and the first trail you come to on CR 73.
Getting There
If heading north from Winter Park, make a left at the traffic light in Fraser on Co Rd 72 toward the tubing hill. If you continue straight you’ll go toward Elk Creek Rd 158, which is similar recreation, otherwise, make a right onto Fraser Valley Pkwy to access St Louis Creek Rd 160. Follow either road back to national forest.
Details
Address: County Rd 73, Fraser
Phone: 970-887-4100 (Granby Office)
Season: Year round
Fees: No, except for campgrounds
Map: Sulphur South (PDF) – Motor vehicle use map containing forest service roads and where dispersed camping is permitted.
