Browns Creek Trail #1429

Dispersed Camping

Camping is not permitted trailheads.

• Camp in an existing dispersed campsite, do not create new roads or campsites. Use one way in and out to reduce disturbance of soil and vegetation. DO NOT CAUSE RESOURCE DAMAGE

• Limit parking to bare and compacted areas. Keep motorized vehicles within one vehicle length from a designated system road or trail. Make no new tracks in campsites.

• Camp 150 feet away from lakes, streams and trails. Dispose of wash water 100 feet away from any water source. Bury human waste in a hole 6 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source, trail, or campsite. A portable toilet system is highly recommended. Pack out toilet paper, tampons, and leftover food.  LEAVE NO TRACE.  For more information on Leave No Trace guidelines, visit: https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

Do not damage live trees and plants by cutting them with axes or hatchets. Don’t dig up plants, leave wildflowers for others to enjoy – don’t pick them

• Please stay on the trails. Cutting switchbacks and avoiding wet and muddy sections can cause severe erosion and multiple paths. Alpine tundra is very susceptible to damage. Walk on durable routes of rock or talus. In the spring, travel on snow and rocks, or plan your trip during drier conditions.

Be a responsible pet owner, dogs must be leashed (36 CFR 261.8 d) and cleanup after your pet!

• Secure pack animals 200 feet away from lakes, streams, and trails. A picket line is less damaging to trees than direct tying. Move stock often when picketing to prevent resource damage. You must follow Weed-Free forage guidelines for National Forests Grasslands in the Rocky Mountain Region. https://www.colorado.gov/agconservation/weedfreeforage

If you choose to have a campfire, consider the following:

• Keep it small in size and limit it to evening and early morning hours when the heat is most needed.

• Build your fire in an existing fire ring that is at least 100 feet from water. Do not build new fire rings.

• Avoid having fires above tree-line. Removing dead wood from Krummholz (dwarf trees near timberline) affects their survival.

• Collection of dead and down wood for immediate campfire use is allowed except for posted sites.

Remember to put out your campfire DEAD-OUT!!

Pour water on the fire to drown ALL embers until hissing stops. Stir ashes with a shovel and scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers. Continue adding water and stirring until all material is cold to the touch.        

Day Hiking

The Browns Creek trail is a great day hike but be prepared with a lunch if you plan to make it to the lake. The trail is a steady climb of 8 miles and a rest stop along the stream is a must.

Backpacking

The Browns Creek trail offers beautiful scenery with changing vistas and vegetation. The trail follows the stream and small waterfalls can be found along the way. The lower portion of the trail begins in primarily a Ponderosa pine environment and gradually moves into spruce/fir forest. At higher elevations the trail travels through pristine meadows that end at Brown's Lake.

Horse Riding

The Browns Creek trail and the Colorado Trail are great horseback trails. The trail to Browns Lake is a steady climb but for sure footed horses it is considered a moderate ride. The Colorado Trail crosses the Browns Creek trail and travels north and south. For detailed maps or information, contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591 or stop by our office at 325 W. Rainbow Blvd., (Hwy 50) in Salida.

The area around Browns Creek and Raspberry Gulch is a popular horse camping location.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The Browns Creek area is a wonderful cross-country and snowshoeing area. The terrain is flat and easy to navigate. The Evans-Rush trail was named in 1975, in memory of Art Evans and Keith Rush, local cross-country skiers who perished in an avalanche on Taylor Gulch near Maysville, Colorado. The trail is a great introductory route for beginners.