South Fork of Lake Creek
This hike follows a mining road dating from the turn of the twentieth century, built to cross the Continental Divide, linking the boomtown of Ruby to the smelting mills at Leadville. The road was abandoned when an easier route was blazed down the Roaring Fork to Aspen. Today, the upper valley of the South Fork is silent and peaceful, a wild landscape of open brush fields and craggy peaks. The section of road between the Continental Divide and Ruby has been blocked by rockslides and is no longer passable. Nonetheless, this trail makes an excellent day trip, with outstanding scenery and a few lingering traces of the picturesque mining days.
Driving Directions
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Directions to: South Fork of Lake Creek
print directionsTrail Statistics & Information
| Activity | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Nearby City | Leadville |
| Length | 6.4 mi |
| Elevation Gain | 1,420 ft |
| Skill Level | Moderate |
| Season | Mid-July to mid-September |
| Trailhead Elevation | 11,350 ft |
| Top Elevation | 12,860 ft |
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