Payne Creek Trail #637

Pike & San Isabel National Forest, Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands, National Forest in Colorado

Available to Hikers & Horseback riders, the 9.8 mile Payne Creek Trail provides access into the northeast portion of Lost Creek Wilderness and is a relatively gentle trail.

Leaving the trailhead near Bailey Colorado, Payne Creek Trail & Brookside-McCurdy Trail rise gently and soon reach a trail junction. Payne Creek Trail travel left, crosses a small drainage then rises along the west side of Payne Gulch and crosses into Lost Creek Wilderness.

Payne Creek Trail then crosses to the high point as it climbs up an old logging road. After reaching an aspen grove, Payne Creek Trail begins to descend into the Craig Creek drainage in an open meadow along Craig Creek. the trail runs down the north side of the creek, then crosses to the south. Payne Creek Trail then travels in a southeasterly direction to Bluestern Draw flowing north into Craig Creek. Payne Creek Trail continues on to cross an unnamed drainage and begins to climb out of the Craig Creek drainage to the Colorado Trail.

Suitable sites for overnight camping are available in Craig Meadows, however wilderness regulations apply.

Two access points are available for Payne Creek Trail

1. Payne Creek/Brookside Trailhead: From US 285 in Bailey Colorado, travel south across the South Platte River on CR 64. Travel 0.45 miles and take a left at the "Y". Continue 2.2 miles to the trailhead on the south (left) side of the road.
2. Rolling Creek/Colorado Trail: From Bailey Colorado travel east along CR 68 which becomes FR 560 and turn right at the "Y" onto CR 543 (7.8 miles from Bailey) and park at the small parking area on the south side of the road, or travel right (south) a short distance to the Colorado Trail/Rolling Creek Trailhead.