Segment 20

Hackett Gulch & Lost Creek Wilderness

  • Distance: 73.1 miles

  • Vertical: +12565', -14009'

  • Highlights:

    • Hackett Gulch

    • Lost Creek Rock Formations

    • Bison Peak

  • Main Challenges:

    • Desert heat, especially along burn scar.

    • Sharing dirt roads with Jeeps

  • Scrambling Grade: Mostly trails, small easy cross-country sections

  • Exposure: Minimal

Hackett Gulch, Pikes National Forest

Segment 20 connects Divide to Bailey along Pikes National Forest and Lost Creek Wilderness.

We encountered several setbacks and frustrations when scouting this segment in 2026, and plan to add various improvements between Crags Campground (Segment 19) and Hackett Gulch once we get the chance to scout them in person.

From Divide, the GCR works its way towards the stunning and slept on Hackett Gulch where you then ford the South Platte River (the same one that runs through Denver). Once on the other side, the GCR traces the prettiest parts of a popular backpacking loop in Lost Creek Wilderness. A short side spur to the summit of Bison Peak is highly recommended.

From there, the GCR briefly says hello to the Colorado Trail before splitting from it to drop directly into the town of Bailey. Folks in need of a shortcut can alternatively stay on the Colorado Trail till Georgia Pass, but this misses the scenic Mount Evans Wilderness and 13ers traverse along the Continental Divide Trail.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

ATV trail in Pikes National Forest

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures along this segment. Peak summer heat can make traversing the Hayman Fire Burn Scar near Hackett Gulch a challenge.

Lost Creek Wilderness

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees along this segment.

The Tights, Lower Grape Creek WSA

Water

Water carries along this segment are moderate in length. Non-disgusting water is unreliable between Divide and the South Platte River. Refer to map above for what worked in 2026.

Lost Creek Wilderness

Camping

Camping is generally easy to come by along this segment, though be mindful of private property. The jeep trails between Divide and Lost Creek Wilderness have ample car camping options. Lost Creek Wilderness has various dispersed options as well.

Natural arch near McCurdy Mountain

Other Considerations

Extreme Heat: This segment can get extremely hot in the summer, creating extra difficulties for the long water carries.

Burn Scar: This segment passes through the Hayman Fire Burn Scar near Hackett Gulch. This makes an already hot section even more sun exposed, plus the risk of snags.

Fording the South Platte: During very high water, fording the South Platte River in Hackett Gulch can be unsafe. There are often Jeeps around who might be able to assist.