Interpretive Hike: Race Track/New Lost Trail

 04/08/2023  |  09:00 AM - 02:30 PM
  Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area  |  Registration Required

Special Events - All Ages

See linked document for full description of this hike. From the trailhead of the Race Track Trail, we walk south into pinon/juniper forest, quickly climb to the top of the first ridge, and ascend gently toward Methodist Mountain on the ridgetop with increasingly better views as we climb. At 0.75 mile, we climb more steeply to the next tier of planation surfaces in lovely forest with occasional views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. At 1.2 miles we come to the edge of a beautifully eroded hidden canyon, Castle Gardens, and walk near its edge for about 0.4 mile to the beginning of the Little Rainbow Trail. We, then, hike west on the Little Rainbow Trail for 0.9 mile where we scallop three planation surface fronts and have outstanding views east, north, and west. The lunch stop will be on the third planation surface at a highpoint just before reaching the Lost Trail intersection. We will be able to enjoy the 360-degree views on this planation surface during lunch. After lunch, we return via the Lost Trail, with great views in front of us as we descend - the Upper Arkansas Valley, Salida, the southern Sawatch Range, and Arkansas Hills. After the first half mile, we encounter a beautiful canyon area, drop via switchbacks off our descent ridge, and traverse a couple of deep gullies. Emanating from the gullies, we return to the trailhead on broad open forested gentle slopes.

Registration is required for this activity. Click "register" to reserve your spot.

• Race Track/New Lost Trail Hike Description
• Race Track/New Lost Trail Map

Jennifer R. Crawford

Administrative Assistant III

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

P 719.539.7289 x4707  |  F 719.539.3771

307 W. Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201

[email protected]  |  cpw.state.co.us