Lost Creek Wilderness Lasso Loop
What a trip! In June, we got to take a group of water hungry river rafting guides on a trekking adventure in the Lost Creek Wilderness. We did the Lost Eagle Lasso Loop trail via the Twin Eagles trailhead. We met the team in Golden, CO, chatted a little about what was in front of us and off we went to the trailhead which was about a 2hr drive from Golden.
Upon arriving at the Twin Eagles Trailhead, we dropped off the group, distributed the gear and began to pack. I walked everyone through inventory of the gear, all it’s purposes and how to pack. While everyone was packing their food, Andy (one of our other guides) plus the group leader went and parked the vehicles at the parking spot about a 1/2 mile away. When they arrived back, the group had mostly packed their gear and were ready to go. We filtered water, loaded up and we were on our way.
Typically, we do this clockwise; however this specific trip we did the trek counter clockwise. It allowed us to spread out some of the climbing across the whole trip rather than doing it all the first day! That’s one thing I love about this loop in Colorado is it allows for flexibility.
We began our day around 4pm and at 8,520ft. Our first campsite was less than 3miles from the trailhead and was around 9,035ft. This allowed us to do a little climbing and rest in order to acclimate our flat-lander bodies. The next day, we took off and had an immediate 1500’ climb before a 1600’ descent. We covered this over 8 miles and ended our day at a nice campsite with running water. The mosquitos were unbelievably thick causing it to be a less than pleasurable evening. You could slap your arm and kill 5-10 mosquitoes in one swat! This just ensured that we turned into our tents quickly; although no one really seemed to complain given the climb that we did that day.
The next day, Wednesday, we covered 12 miles and had a day filled with variety. The mosquitos were bad; but if we kept moving, they were better. This day we climbed a total of 2,700’ and descended 2050’ with the highest climb being only 600’; although that caused some issues with the already sore muscles and given the fact that we were between 9,000-11,000 the whole time. We camped in a valley with a stream flowing through it. Our campsite looking out over the valley.
The last day was a big day. We woke up and began our hike. Coming around the corner, we spotted a baby moose. I began looking for the cow and was unable to locate her. Just when I waived the group to come on, the momma crossed the trail right in between myself and the rest of the group and then disappeared into the willows. For. Moment, I thought she was going to react since we were in between her calf and herself. Luckily she did not. After we cleared the noose, we covered 14miles this day with a gradual climb all day. We made it to a juncture in the trail where we could go summit Bison Mountain (12,380’). A few members of the group stayed back and rested while the the rest of us went up and summited Bison Mtn.
After summiting, we began the 4000’ descent down the mountain and to the trailhead.
All in all, we covered 38 miles with 8,320’ elevation climbed and 8,090’ elevation lost. This trek came with many challenges; but also multiple positives. Many from this group had never climbed a mountain before. They forged on against adversities and ultimately several succeeded by climbing higher than they had ever climbed before. I was very proud of this group! I learned to bring better bug spray!
Hope you get to join us next year!
