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The Ben Tyler Trailhead is about 7 miles west of Bailey and can be accessed from either US 285 or CR56 (Lost Park Road). The trail is considered moderate but requires considerable uphill effort in that you go over the top of the Kenosha Mountains. A troop has two options; it can hike up one side and return to the original trailhead or go over the Kenosha Mountains and exit on the other side. The Ben Tyler Trail has the Forest Service designation of FS606. On the west side, this trail is known as the Rock Creek Trail. If you plan an overnight backpacking trip there are campsites along the Craig Park Trail (FS608) where water is available; this is a detour if you are exiting on the Rock Creek Trail. The Craig Park Trail intersects the Ben Tyler Trail just before the top of Kenosha Mountain Pass. Turn south on the Craig Park Trail; it is another 1.2 miles down to the Craig Meadows for a good campsite and water. The total distance from Ben Tyler to Rock Creek Trailhead is 12 miles. Note: It should be pointed out that Kenosha Mountain Pass is on the Ben Tyler Trail where it crosses over the Kenosha Mountains; Kenosha Pass is on US 285 just before it enters South Park from the east. How to get there: Access from US 285: The trailhead on US 285 is about 7 miles west of Bailey; a sign designates the trail and parking is available along the south side of US 285, see map notation (P)4. The trail takes you high into the Kenosha Mountains. You will hike through a large meadow upward into mixed groves of evergreen and aspen trees. The trail is sheltered by trees and views are limited due to the thick forest. As you near the top the trail becomes much steeper. From the top and down the west side to Rock Creek the views are spectacular. Access from Lost Park Road: To access from the South Park side take US 285 over Kenosha Pass and 3.2 miles further west. Turn left (south) at the Lost Park Road (CR56). Follow this dirt road 7.5 miles South to the Rock Creek Trailhead. The Rock Creek Road (FSR133) requires a vehicle with high clearance. Parking is available, see map notation (P)2.
Created on: 2024-09-07 16:21:49
Last edited by: rhall290472 On: 2024-09-19 15:34:08