Denny Creek Trailhead

The Denny Creek Trailhead is located 12 miles west of Buena Vista, with a paved parking lot on the right. This is a beautiful mountain paradise no matter what the season – wildflowers in the summer, beautiful foliage in the fall and great snowshoeing in the winter.

The trails offer an authentic mountain experience as they go through the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The trail climbs up Denny Gulch with the peaceful sounds of Denny Creek rushing by. You’ll hike through forest, cross log bridges and have options to reach Hartenstein Lake, Browns Pass or the biggest prize, nearby “fourteener” Mount Yale (14,196’). At 1.25 miles from the trailhead, a junction exists. Turn right to continue the long haul to Mt. Yale, another 3.25 miles (one way) of rigorous hiking on a well-marked trail to the summit. Stay left to continue up Denny Gulch, and at approximately 0.6 miles, the trail reaches another junction. Turn left to continue to Hartenstein Lake (11,451’), a high elevation lake surrounding by many peaks including Turner Peak (13,232’). Or turn right to hike through a beautiful meadow that eventually ascends to Browns Pass, located on the Continental Divide.

Directions:  From Buena Vista go west at stoplight at Main St (CR 306), follow west 12 miles to Denny Creek parking area on right side of road.

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