We followed Roach‘s 3rd edition "Route 1" directions and it was VERY straightforward to get to the trailhead and I would recommend this route. There was some minor snowpack and ice in the trees, but a walk in the park for an Outback. For those who don‘t have the 3rd edition: "From the Willow Creek bridge just south of Creed, go 0.3 miles south on Colorado 149 on the west side of Willow Creek to three dirt roads leading west (right). Turn west onto the northernmost (rightmost) of the three dirt roads and measure from this point. Climb the hill southwest of Creede, pass the Creede cemetery turnoff at mile 0.5, turn west (left) at a T-junction at mile 1.2, pass the southern turnoff for the Rat Creek-West Willow Creek 4x4 Loop Road at mile 3.3, and continue on the main road to Allens Crossing over West Willow Creek at mile 6.3. Turn north (left) at a T-junction just east of Allens Crossing and go north to a parking area below the Equity Mine at mile 8.6." We actually took the 4x4 road from this point (off to the left) to the unmarked trailhead seen in Photo #2 on the route description on this site, but DO NOT attempt this road if you do not have decent clearance. It was frozen in the morning and muddy in the afternoon.
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