Lost Trail Campground

Colorado, with its majestic mountains and sprawling national forests, offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. For those seeking a truly immersive wilderness experience, away from the crowds and closer to nature's tranquility, Lost Trail Campground near Creede, Colorado, presents an ideal escape. This hidden gem in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest provides a serene setting for campers, hikers, anglers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the pristine beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Lost Trail Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground that truly embodies the spirit of Colorado's backcountry. It’s a place where the sounds of the city fade into the rustling of aspen leaves and the distant murmur of mountain streams. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a family looking for a rustic camping experience, Lost Trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural grandeur that defines our state.

The charm of Lost Trail lies in its undeveloped nature, offering a raw and authentic camping experience. While it provides basic amenities, the focus here is on the surrounding environment and the myriad of activities it supports. From challenging hikes to tranquil fishing spots, this campground serves as a gateway to some of Colorado's most breathtaking landscapes and recreational opportunities.

It's important for local Coloradans planning a visit to understand the unique characteristics of Lost Trail Campground. It’s not a resort-style campground with extensive facilities, but rather a peaceful retreat that encourages self-sufficiency and respect for the natural world. This makes it particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more rugged and less commercialized outdoor adventure, a hallmark of true Colorado exploration.

Lost Trail Campground is situated in a remarkably picturesque and somewhat remote area, approximately 38.2 miles southwest of Creede, Colorado. To reach this secluded haven, you'll embark on a scenic drive that gradually transitions from paved roads to well-maintained gravel.

From Creede, Colorado, the journey begins by traveling southwest on Colorado Highway 149, also known as the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. This stretch of highway is renowned for its stunning vistas and access to numerous outdoor recreation points. After approximately 19 to 20.1 miles on Highway 149, you will turn west onto Forest Road 520 (also identified as Rio Grande Reservoir Road). This gravel road, while generally passable, requires careful driving and is often physically closed by deep winter snows and closed access roads from November through May 15th of each year. Travelers should be prepared for varying road conditions, especially after inclement weather.

Continue on Forest Road 520 for about 17 to 18.1 miles. The campground will be located on the south side of the main road. The elevation of Lost Trail Campground is approximately 9,500 to 9,600 feet, which means visitors should be prepared for higher altitude conditions, including cooler temperatures, especially at night, even in summer. The remote location contributes to the campground's serene atmosphere, making it a true escape from everyday life. While the drive is part of the adventure, its remoteness also means that cell service is generally unavailable, allowing for a genuine unplugged experience.

• Campsites: Lost Trail Campground offers 7 individual campsites. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not accepted. It is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons like July, to secure a spot. Three of the sites are pull-through, and four are dead-end spurs. Maximum RV length is generally cited as 25 feet due to limited maneuvering space and shorter spurs.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.

• Fire Rings: Every site includes a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy a campfire (when fire restrictions permit). Firewood is not provided, so campers should bring their own or collect dead and downed wood responsibly from the surrounding forest.

• Vault Toilets: A vault toilet is available for convenience. Visitors should note that there is typically only one vault toilet for the entire campground.

• Proximity to Rio Grande National Forest: Nestled within the vast Rio Grande National Forest, Lost Trail Campground provides direct access to countless miles of trails and undisturbed wilderness. This forest is a hub for diverse ecosystems and offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities.

• Access to Trails: The campground is a gateway to several notable trails, catering to various levels of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. These include:

  • Lost Trail Creek Trail #821: An 11-mile trail that offers excellent views, good fishing opportunities along Lost Trail Creek, and glimpses of historic mining activity near Carson Pass on the Continental Divide.

  • West Lost Trail Creek Trail #822: A motorcycle-only trail that leads towards Cataract Lake, offering a more rugged and adventurous experience.

  • Heart Lake Trail #823: A non-motorized trail that provides access to the serene Heart Lake.

  • Ute Creek Trail #819: Leading into the Weminuche Wilderness and connecting to the Continental Divide Trail, this trail offers opportunities for more challenging backpacking and stunning high-country vistas.

• Fishing Opportunities: Anglers will appreciate the proximity to fishing spots. Lost Trail Creek is nearby, and the Rio Grande River itself, particularly close to its headwaters, is a significant attraction. The Rio Grande Reservoir is also accessible, offering opportunities for rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout fishing.

• Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Access: Forest Service Road 520, which leads to the campground, also serves as a popular route for OHV and 4WD excursions. This includes access to Stony Pass, a well-known 4WD trail that forms part of a popular loop leading to Silverton and Lake City.

• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding national forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species. Campers often report sightings of local fauna, adding to the wilderness experience.

• Seclusion and Tranquility: With only 7 campsites and its remote location, Lost Trail Campground is known for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a break from the hustle and bustle.

• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by a mix of aspen, spruce, and fir trees, the campground offers stunning views of the mountainous landscapes. The fall colors, when the aspens turn golden, are particularly spectacular.

• Undeveloped Nature: Unlike more developed campgrounds, Lost Trail emphasizes a "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy. There is no potable water on site, and no garbage service, encouraging campers to minimize their impact and respect the natural environment.

Address: Creede, CO 81130, USA

While there is no direct phone number for Lost Trail Campground itself due to its primitive nature and lack of on-site staff, information can often be obtained through the Rio Grande National Forest's Divide Ranger District. Their general inquiry phone number is (719) 658-2556. However, it is crucial to note that this number is for general forest information and not a direct line to the campground. For the most up-to-date conditions, including fire restrictions, road closures, and general area information, it is highly recommended to consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Rio Grande National Forest before planning your trip.

For Coloradans, Lost Trail Campground represents the quintessential high-country escape, a perfect blend of accessibility to incredible natural beauty and the opportunity for true wilderness immersion. Unlike more commercialized or heavily trafficked campgrounds, Lost Trail offers a chance to experience the solitude and rugged charm that often draws residents to our state's mountains. Its first-come, first-served policy means there's no need for complex booking systems, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or flexible travel plans – a definite plus for locals who know how quickly prime camping spots can fill up.

The location, though seemingly remote, is a manageable drive from many parts of Colorado, making it an achievable adventure for a multi-day trip. Its situation within the Rio Grande National Forest places it at the epicenter of a vast playground for outdoor activities that resonate deeply with the Colorado lifestyle. Whether you're an avid hiker eager to tackle segments of the Continental Divide Trail or a fly-fisherman seeking pristine mountain streams, Lost Trail serves as an ideal basecamp. The availability of diverse trails, including those for mountain biking and OHV use, ensures there's an activity for almost every type of outdoor enthusiast.

Furthermore, the emphasis on a "pack it in, pack it out" ethos at Lost Trail aligns perfectly with the Leave No Trace principles that many environmentally conscious Coloradans uphold. It encourages a deeper respect for the land and fosters a sense of stewardship over our precious natural resources. This primitive style of camping, with its basic amenities, also allows locals to truly disconnect from urban stresses and reconnect with nature on a profound level, something many seek in their outdoor pursuits.

In essence, Lost Trail Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to experience the wild, untamed spirit of Colorado. It’s suitable for locals because it offers an authentic, unadulterated outdoor adventure that embodies the very essence of what it means to explore and appreciate our state's magnificent wilderness, all within a reasonable reach for those living in Colorado.

Lost Trail Campground

Creede, CO 81130, USA