LCW Peaks

[Hungry Jack]

So here is a question: What can I expect to find in terms of surface water in the LCW? I imagine Lost Creek has plenty. Will there be water up in McCurdy Park? (I would expect so). How about in the basin west of Bison Peak?

[rdp32]

I've been wanting to try hiking in the LCW but am somewhat nervous to because I typically hike alone and stick to well-established trails (no bush-whacking for me) and I have the impression that the LCW might not fit the bill. Does anyone have any recommended hikes in LCW that involve no offtrail route-finding? Perhaps Bison/McCurdy Peaks?

[climbing_rob]

So here is a question: What can I expect to find in terms of surface water in the LCW? I imagine Lost Creek has plenty. Will there be water up in McCurdy Park? (I would expect so). How about in the basin west of Bison Peak?

Don't know about McCurdy park, but Indian Creek, west of bison has flowing water. all the creeks we saw last weekend were flowing well.

[Hungry Jack]

So here is a question: What can I expect to find in terms of surface water in the LCW? I imagine Lost Creek has plenty. Will there be water up in McCurdy Park? (I would expect so). How about in the basin west of Bison Peak?

Don't know about McCurdy park, but Indian Creek, west of bison has flowing water. all the creeks we saw last weekend were flowing well.

It's been a wet 15 months or so, at least in the Front Range.

[Jim Davies]

I've been wanting to try hiking in the LCW but am somewhat nervous to because I typically hike alone and stick to well-established trails (no bush-whacking for me) and I have the impression that the LCW might not fit the bill. Does anyone have any recommended hikes in LCW that involve no offtrail route-finding? Perhaps Bison/McCurdy Peaks?

The trails are very good, well-built and well-marked, but don't go to any of the mountaintops. Both Bison and McCurdy summits are reachable by leaving a trail above timberline and walking across tundra for maybe half a mile, followed by climbing a rockpile.

If you just want a good dayhike, the Goose Creek trail to the Shafthouse is easy to moderate difficulty, easy to follow, and gets you a good selection of the uniqueness of the area. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/re ... 4&actid=50" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The National Geographic/Trails Illustrated "Tarryall" map covers the area well. The Roach Lost Creek book concentrates on summits, but is useful if you want to get a feel for the layout of the area.

[rdp32]

Well, that description for Bison/McCurdy doesn't sound too bad. I'll have to pick up a map for the area and hit one of those in a month or two

[awake]

Well, that description for Bison/McCurdy doesn't sound too bad. I'll have to pick up a map for the area and hit one of those in a month or two

Bison was a very well established trail. Relatively easy hike, and really incredible views. I'd definitely recommend it.

[MyFeetHurt]

So here is a question: What can I expect to find in terms of surface water in the LCW? I imagine Lost Creek has plenty. Will there be water up in McCurdy Park? (I would expect so). How about in the basin west of Bison Peak?

This question seems to come up a lot, now that I have been there a few times I can say with certainty that there is water in McCurdy park. There is a nice sized running creek on the north end, plus a giant swamp in the middle. I also saw a running creek in Lake Park as well. I wouldnt worry about water in those areas.

[climbing_rob]

Well, that description for Bison/McCurdy doesn't sound too bad. I'll have to pick up a map for the area and hit one of those in a month or two

There are not trails to the very summit of either Bison or McCurdy, but within about a half mile. the key, I think already mentioned, is Roach's book that covers the routes well. If you climb McCurdy, let us know if you find the right summit the first time! (lots of folks don't...).

[Jim Davies]

I've been up there twice, and I'm still not sure I've been to the real summit. Next time I'm bringing my hand level.

[climbing_rob]

I've been up there twice, and I'm still not sure I've been to the real summit. Next time I'm bringing my hand level.

For a long time there was a stick-cairn right on top. The summit to the east look taller until you climb it and look over to the true summit.

Another confusing one is Lake Park peak.... I swear to doG that the summit w/o the register (to the NE) is taller, but never have been sure. Just climb both and it doesn't matter!

[Jim Davies]

OK, I remember the stick. Whew. I actually went all the way over to the east-side rockpiles first (maybe a quarter mile away?), but thought one of the west ones looked higher. I guess I was right!