Near The Boundary--Lost Creek Wilderness Area

Wilderness -- "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain ... an area protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions." —The Wilderness Act of 1964

The Lost Creek Wilderness became "official" in 1980 when the U.S. Congress designated it as a wilderness area. An addition to the original size was approved in 1993. Today, 119,798 acres are included in the wilderness; it is all within the Pike National Forest and includes land in both Jefferson and Park Counties. Because of its proximity to the Denver Metro area, Lost Creek Wilderness is very popular and receives heavy use by hikers, backpackers, rock climbers, cross country skiers, and snowshoers. Winter camping is also a popular endeavor in Lost Creek Wilderness. The area is accessed by a network of 18 hiking trails involving136 miles of trail distance. A portion of the Colorado Trail traverses the wilderness. Three mountain ranges, the Kenosha, Tarryall, and Platte River Mountains, are in the wilderness. Elevations in the wilderness range from 8,000 to 12,431 feet for Bison Peak–the high point of Jefferson County. I've climbed Bison twice, and it's an interesting, rewarding experience. Try it! Lost Creek is notable for its numerous rock formations, natural arches, and rounded domes and knobs. The wilderness derives its name from Lost Creek, a perennial stream that appears and disappears before its confluence with Goose Creek, which joins the South Platte River at Cheesman Lake.

The cache is located along the Brookside-McCurdy Trail. Park in the designated trailhead parking area just before Lost Park Campground. Hike up the trail toward the wilderness boundary to reach ground zero. It's a small cache container hidden at the upper edge of a medium-sized rock and covered by a smaller rock. Replace it carefully to the position where you found it. Enjoy your hike! By continuing on the trail you will eventually reach the Colorado Trail and the Wilderness boundary.

Additional Waypoints

P08XACM - Trailhead Parking
N 39° 17.060 W 105° 30.510
Parking