Deer Creek Trailhead
From the Deer Creek Trailhead, the Tanglewood Trail (#636) and Rosalie Trail (#603) go west and north up the Tanglewood Creek drainage to a junction just outside the wilderness boundary. Here the two trails split, and the Rosalie Trail bears left up an old logging road, while the Tanglewood Trail continues north along Tanglewood Creek. The latter route climbs along Tanglewood Creek and then begins to ascend toward the saddle above. The trail becomes more steep and strenuous, particularly after leaving the trees. The top of the saddle marks the boundary between Pike and Arapaho national forests.
General Information
The Tanglewood Trail begins in the southeast corner of the Mount Evans Wilderness and climbs north into a saddle on the boundary between the Pike and Arapaho national forests. From that point, the trail continues north as the Roosevelt Lakes Trail and eventually ties into the trails on the east side of the wilderness. Immediately east of the saddle (towards Rosedale Peak), are a series of pointed rock outcroppings called “Pegmatite Points.” The upper portions of the trail are above tree line. The parking area at the trailhead has room for loading horses.
Overnight camping is not permitted at the trailhead. This location is also the trailhead for the southeast (lower) terminus of the Rosalie Trail. You should be alert to the possible development of summer afternoon storms with their accompanying lightening, particularly above tree line. Because the trail is almost entirely in designated wilderness, wilderness regulations apply.
Although open year-round, access during the winter may be limited due to snow.
The following regulations / restrictions apply to the Mount Evans Wilderness:
- No motorized equipment (chainsaws, drills, etc.) or mechanized transportation (bicycles, wagons, etc.) is permitted.
- No landing or dropping of supplies by aircraft (including parasails) is permitted.
- Group size is limited to 15 persons and/or 10 pack or saddle animals in any one party.
- Dogs must be leashed.
- Camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams or trails.
- Campfires must be at least 100 feet from lakes, streams or trails.
- Hobble, tie or tether any pack or saddle animals at least 100 feet from lakes, streams or trails.
- All livestock feed must be processed and weed free.
- Do not cut switchbacks.
- Pack it in; pack it out.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles.
There is a mandatory, self-issued permit system in the Mount Evans Wilderness and Lost Creek Wilderness areas. There are no fees associated with the permit, though users are required to complete one.
As you enter the wilderness, fill out the provided permit and deposit the stub in the slot in the lower front of the register box. Keep the permit in your possession and follow the wilderness regulations found on the back.
Address: 30403 Kings Valley Drive, Suite 2-115 Conifer, CO 80433
Phone: 303-275-5610
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 39.510556
Longitude: -105.566861
Elevation
11,985 feet
Directions
Drive west from Denver on U.S. Highway 285 for about 28 miles to the traffic light before the top of Crow Hill. Turn right (northwest) on to Park County 43 and drive in a northwesterly direction for 6.8 miles to a "Y" in the road. Bear left and drive 2.1 miles, staying right at the campground, to the parking area at the trailhead.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
NoWater
Potable water is not available at this site.
