Moving Mountains Steamboat Hike of the Month - Mad Creek Trail

Trails abound all around Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is a hiker’s paradise.  The valley is circled by the Routt National Forest and three wilderness areas: Mt. Zirkel, Sarvis Creek and Flattops Wilderness Areas. Mountains extend in every direction and the Continental Divide runs north just outside of town.

Hiking options in Steamboat Springs are endless. One great advantage to hiking in Steamboat is the trails are considerably less crowded compared to the rest of Colorado and the elevation is moderate making hiking an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Mad Creek trail leads into the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness

For an early season hike, Mad Creek is one of best options. Mad Creek gets plenty of sun and is therefore one of the first local trails to dry. It is moderate in its elevation gain which is good for early season conditioning.

Length:
3 miles out & back to the Mad Creek Barn

Elevation gain:
About 500 feet to the Mad Creek Barn

Head out of town going west on Hwy 40 then turn north on Hwy 129 towards Clark. You will cross a bridge over Mad Creek about 5.5 miles from town. The parking lot is on your right.

The trail begins with a steep climb above Mad Creek canyon. Eventually it begins to even out and you will reach a Forest Service gate and beyond it a meadow.  You can take a side trail down to Mad Creek. Up in the Meadow you will find the preserved and historic Mad Creek Barn, built in 1906.

The historic Mad Creek Barn was built in 1906

If you are feeling good and would like a longer or more vigorous hike, there are options. The Mad Creek Trail turns into the Swamp Park Trail and eventually takes you into the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. You can also connect to other loops and get back to County Road 129.

The shortest loop back to the trail head would be to take the old Forest Service Road (F.S. 128) which leads away from the bridge across Mad Creek. This will take you back down to County Road 129, take a right and it’s a short walk back to the parking lot.

Remember when hiking that weather can change quickly. Dress or bring layers and wear appropriate walking/hiking shoes. Bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the great outdoors!

Stay tuned throughout the summer as we will post our favorite hikes.