About this campground
ALERT: Due to recent bear activity, bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This is one of the most challenging of our trails in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness. It follows East Creek and much of the Gift Creek and rises to a spectacular pass of over twelve thousand feet. Because of its difficulty this is a seldom used trail increasing the hiker's chance of seeing a large variety of wildfife. Water is readily available but should be treated before drinking. This makes an excellent, but challenging way of returning from a hike to Avalanche or Capitol Lakes. The trail ends at the junction with the Avalanche Creek trail.
Getting there
Travel south on Hwy 133 for 17 miles past Carbondale to Redstone. Drive through Redstone to the north edge of town, and take the 4WD road to the east besides the last house on the right side. If you don't have a four wheel drive you must park here and walk the extra half mile to the trailhead.
Activities
- HORSEBACK RIDING
Nearby federal campgrounds
Explore more Colorado camping
East Creek-Gift Creek #1963 doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Colorado camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.