Three Mile Creek Trail TR #635
Updated on October 10, 2011 by Mary Norton
Difficulty
Moderate (or Moderate Plus if you travel the entire trail). Gentle upward slope on well-maintained trail.Trail Length
1-3 miles (portion) or 12 miles rountripTrail Description
The Three Mile Creek Trail heads northwest into the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness area through beautiful shady forest and over the Three Mile Creek. You may want to register your name in the brown box at the trailhead – the U.S. Forest Service monitors trail usage with the data from these type of lists.
You will enjoy crossing over the creek more than fifteen times!! Small wooden footbridges allow you to enjoy the creek and the surroundings from both sides of the water. Children will love to throw rocks and sticks in and watch them disappear down the hill.
You will eventually emerge from the pine forests into a green meadow filled with a variety of wildflowers and Aspen tree stands. While you are in this small valley, you will be surrounded by several mountains towering above you including: Spearhead Mountain elevation: 11,244 ft; Arrowhead Mtn. 11,209 ft.; and Kataka Mtn. 12,441 ft.
If you choose to complete the entire hike, you will hike 6 miles up to meet the junction with Rosalie Trail. The 12 mile roundtrip hike gains 2,780ft. where, after steeply ascending switchbacks in the trail at treeline, there are beautiful views of the surrounding Rockies (Mt. Evans, Mt Kataka and Bierstadt among others). Serious day hikers will love this scenic hike.
We usually hike in for a couple of hours then turn back. Turn around anywhere you feel like and the trip back down to the car is just as enjoyable as the hike in!
No Restrooms available at trailhead or parking area. (There is a rest station on the road (Rd 62) about 1 mile before you reach the parking lot and trailhead- your last chance).
Directions
Click Map Below. You will pass a rest station on the left (on CR 62) and about 1 mile further, you will come to the trailhead on the right side of the road. There is a small, dirt parking lot and a sign with the name of the trail on the hill.Attractions
The world famous Coney Island hot dog stand is on the outskirts of Bailey - a great place to stop for icecream and hotdogs after your hike on the Three Mile Creek. Or if you prefer an espresso or coffee, Bailey also offers a small town coffee shop; advertised by the big, coffee cup sign along the highway.About Mary Norton, Contributor of this Hike
Mary grew up here, so she knows all the best places to go! With a family of 6 children and no lack of enthusiasm for the outdoors, Mary is well qualified to give you tips and hike spots that will challenge you as well as delight your whole family. Whether you have kids, dogs, or are just looking to enjoy nature by yourself, Mary will show you where to go to find what you are looking for.
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