Cherry Creek
Begins at the forest's mile 0, 39.7278, -107.6381 - no trailhead mapped Drive to where the trail begins
Cherry Creek Connector #2256.1A 5.5 mi loop · the Forest Service's write-up
No fee
This trail connects the West Elk Stock Driveway to the Cherry Creek Trail . From the West Elk Stock Driveway, the trail begins with a slight ascent into an aspen stand. The trail soon levels off, makes a right turn, and continues a short distance through the aspens before beginning it’s descent toward Cherry Creek. The descent is initially gradual and passes through open meadows and oak brush. The final descent is a steep dirt path with loose footing in some places. At the bottom of the hill, the trail levels out, crosses Cherry Creek, and completes the link to the Cherry Creek Trail. From here, you can turn left (uphill) towards Forest Road 819 or turn right (downhill) toward Forest Road 245.
This connector trail creates a 5.5 mile loop opportunity with the upper portions of the Cherry Creek Trail and the West Elk Stock Driveway. The loop can be traversed in either direction beginning at Forest Road 819. Ride approximately two miles south on either the Cherry Creek Trail or the Stock Driveway, traverse the connector, and then complete the loop by returning north to Road 819. If accessing the connector from the West Elk Stock Driveway, look for a left turn near a stock pond at the edge of a meadow. If accessing the connector from Cherry Creek, look for a right turn over the creek near the base of a hill, just past the sign for Trail 2291.
The majority of the Cherry Creek Connector is easy to follow with good, wide tread. The last meadow before the final descent is the only place where navigation can be challenging. Keep an eye out for cattle as you travel through this area.
This trail is open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Lower Cherry Creek Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
No fee
The Lower Cherry Creek Trailhead provides access to the southern end of Cherry Creek Trail #2256 . Cherry Creek Trail is 3.9 miles long and connects Forest Road 245 to Forest Road 819. From the lower trailhead, users can follow the Cherry Creek Trail for 0.45 miles to an intersection with the West Elk Stock Driveway #2152 . Both trails are open to horse, foot, and bicycle use. This is a popular area for mountain biking.
The trailhead is located approximately 1 mile north of the Forest Boundary on the Buford-New Castle Road (Forest Road 245). The trailhead will be on the right side of the road when approaching from the south; look for a narrow dirt path and a small brown trail sign a few feet uphill from the road. These features are difficult to see when approaching from the north. There is a small pullout on the side of the road opposite the trailhead; this pullout has room for two passenger vehicles or one truck and trailer. Additional parking is available 1 mile south of the trailhead, in a small parking area just inside the Forest boundary.