Lost Canyon

Snow has made the trail impassable to most vehicles.

For quite a while, I wondered why this trail was rated moderate because I genuinely believe a Honda Civic could do this all the way up to the little "S" turn between Waypoints 8 & 9. Once I hit that turn, it became a little rougher and I then understood the rating haha. It was still an incredibly easy trail that didn't require much other than some ground clearance but I bet something like a Crosstrek could even make it up the majority of this trail. I got stopped around Waypoint 10 due to some fairly deep snow but I'd be surprised if it's still around in a couple of weeks. Near the top, the views looking down onto Twin Lakes were great.

Did this trail on Saturday, snow patches in areas but easy to get through. A little after waypoint 5 is where the snow becomes too deep to keep going. Pretty trail with different campsites along the trail

Open for about 6 miles to 10,600’ in elevation. Deep snow in the dark timber holding deep snow at that point.

Nice drive through the aspens until we got to Waypoint 5 and there is a Road Closed sign and an old military vehicle parked in the middle of the trail. You can get around it and it looked like people had been proceeding past it but we turned around there. Decided we didn't want to get shot by whoever owns the militia compound at Waypoint 5. Update: After reviewing the MVUM we decided to go back up and past Waypoint 5. Definitely stay right at Waypoint 7 as there is a chain across the road to the left. There is no dangerous washout on the road to the right. Looks like it has been repaired. Stunning views at the top. Don't let the grouch at Waypoint 5 scare you.

First time on this trail and thought it was nice. You no longer need to stay right at waypoint 7. You can now follow the actual road and avoid the off camber washout. As Patrick mentioned below, it’s evident the nearby property owner had the road illegally blocked before, but now the obstructions are gone. You will see a small berm this person built across the trail and a road closed sign on your way down at waypoint 9 but these attempts to close the road are invalid. Saw no less than 30 mountain bikers (on a Tuesday), and there are plenty of blind corners so watch out and take it slow downhill.

Nice easy trail all the way up. We were delayed coming down by a fallen aspen tree. Glad my hubby had tools and winch😉

We ran a Recon run of this 7/3/2021 for upcoming Mile Hi Jeep Club Event All4fun July 30th to Aug 7th. The trail can be done without 4x4 the rateing was setup before they closed the best parts of this trail. The veiws are still spectacular and it is worth running but trail can be done in and hour or two with stopping for pictures and lunch. I rated this a four star trail from the views alone. The trail would make a great greenhorn run for beginners to get their jeeps dirty.....

Trail is open all the way to waypoint 9 where there are posted signs that say no motorized vehicles beyond this point.

Trail blocked by deep snow before Waypoint 5. Numerous trees in the road and along the edge from a wind storm.

As a high elevation trail, Lost Canyon is still impassable due to snow. However I have a couple land use updates regarding this trail. First, CORE contacted the Leadville Ranger District about the chain and no trespassing signs that were reportedly put up and blocking the trail last fall. The Ranger District verified that there is a documented public easement across that parcel of private property and ordered the landowner to take down his illegal obstruction of a public right of way. Because it is winter and we have not been able to have anyone go up there to check, we cannot verify that the chain has been taken down yet, but it should be gone by summer. If the chain is still blocking the road after the road melts out in the spring, that should be reported to the Leadville Ranger District, as the landowner does not have the right to block the road. Second, CORE's objection was affirmed regarding the Forest Service's decision to not analyze the last couple miles of the trail (and the side route to the communications site) in the Pike San Isabel travel management process. The Regional Forester ordered the Pike San Isabel Forest Supervisor to go back and analyze whether the end segment of the Lost Canyon road past the current closure point should be designated as a legal motorized route. We are hopeful that this segment will indeed be reopened in the final travel plan, so motorists can once again drive to the viewpoint of Clear Creek Reservoir at the end rather than having to turn around at an arbitrary point in the open tundra.

Went to drive up this road yesterday and I also ran into the same closure as the last two reviewers. Talk to a guy on the road that flagged us down who said he was a friend of the person who owns the private property you eventually cross, but I couldn't really get a strait answer out of him whether the land owner can deny access to a forest road or not. Decided to just take the guy's advice (who was still very polite) and head back down. He did mention that the forest service was trying to close the road down and there were lawsuits to keep it open, but I can find any info via google. That may take a call to Chaffee Country to see if that tracks. There may need to be some additional info to inform people if this is closed or not.

Went up here and camped at the view spot. Was great. However in the morning not only was there the sign indicating road closed ahead, but it was actually blocked off. I don't know if it is a legal closure or not, since the forest service likely has a legal egress through here.

Agree with previous post. A great trail with only one rough section which high-clearance is recommended. At 4.1 miles when you pass the private property, there was a sign indicating the road was closed in 0.8 miles. We kept driving and did not see and further signs or closures until 7.4 miles where the Forest Service indicates the remainder of the road is closed. There were several tire tracks past this point which will eventually cause the entire route to get shut-down so please stop at the closure.

Great trail with big views; Mt Elbert, Mt Massive, La Plata Peak, Mt Belford, and Mt Oxford....well worth your time! Trail is closed to motorized vehicles at the end unfortunately.

Nice little trail drive. Did the entire trip in 2WD. The only drawback and why it only got four stars from me is the south end of the trail is closed to motorized vehicles. Signs look very new, so this could be something that was put up after the spring thaw. Lots of space, great views, and easy trail.

Very scenic once you get above the trees. Eight of the 11 miles of the trail are just a flat open dirt road, it’s not until waypoint 7 that it gets a little rocky. Even then I did the entire trail in 2wd.

Awesome above tree line trail with great camping.

This trail is fully open. We made all the way to the end with no trouble. Easy, fun trail with spectacular views above the tree line. Ran the trail in a 2D JK, 3” lift, 33” tires aired down and sway bar disconnected.

Great trail I was able to do it entirely in two wheel drive. The views at the top are great and there is plenty of camping opportunities on your way up, this is not a technical trail however I wouldn't recommend full size trucks attempt this due to vehicle width. the trail is blocked by snow halfway between way points eight and nine. Only ran into five other rigs on July fourth weekend and there was plenty of room to let them pass.

Fantastic 360 degree views at the top if you go right at waypoint 9. This route is a little more difficult - will require a more aggressive stock vehicle like a Wrangler or FJ. Highly recommend. As another commenter noted, waypoint 7 now has the road closed and marked private property, forcing you to take the off camber road to the right. I'm trying to figure out how since 2016 a public forest service road became closed to the public for one, 100 yard section. Mining claim?

Same comment as John (1 day later...). Forced to use off camber washout @ Waypoint 7. Long, somewhat exposed reverse if you decide not to do it, so I'd recommend getting out & hiking forward to see, prior to driving up the road. There is a small pad where you can park next to the old hut structure while you hike up to the washout. Stock FJ made it through in dry conditions. Definitely would not recommend if the road is wet.

The more maintained road at waypoint 7 was closed and physically blocked forcing use of the higher road with the dangerous off camber washout. This might just be temporary; however, take note for stock vehicles and novice drivers