Due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions, U.S. Forest Service-Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is temporarily closing all National Forest land in Clear Creek, Jefferson, Gilpin, Boulder, and Larimer counties. The decision to be re-evaluated daily. SEE CLOSURE ORDER

Keyser Creek

Fraser, Colorado (Grand County)

Last Updated: 10/14/2020

5 / 5 ( 1 review )

Information

Nearby Trails

Status:	Temporary Closure
Typically Open:	06/15 - 11/15
Length:	19 miles
Highest Elevation:	9944 feet
Duration:	About 2 hours
Shape of Trail:	Straight Through
Best Direction to Travel:	N/A
Nearest Town:	Fraser
Nearest Town w/ Services:	Fraser
Official Road Name:	139
Management Agency:	Arapaho National Forest
District:	Sulphur Ranger District

Showing 0 trails within 2 miles

Highlights

Keyser Creek would be a great place to camp during the season that is accessible to most vehicles but yet feels far from the city. Most campsites are near the river, and there are aspen forests that would be amazing during the fall when the leaves change colors. The abundance of trail spurs and recreational trails can keep you busy for a whole weekend outing. It could also be used as a scenic drive to connect you from Highway 40 to Highway 3. While in the area I saw deer and moose.

Video

Weather

7 day forecast for Keyser Creek

Route Information

Technical Rating:
(EASY - MODERATE)

Waypoints

1. East Trailhead (0 mi)

Turn west onto County Road 5 at the signs for Crooked Creek National Forest Access.

Directions to Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates: 39.955540, -105.820168

Starting Point: Fraser

East Trailhead The East Trailhead is located just north of Fraser, CO and the begins as you turn onto County Road 5. You will see a road sign for Crooked Creek National Forest Access at this turn. There is not a designated parking lot at the trailhead, but there are wide shoulders to make any adjustments. From Tabernash, drive south approx 3.25 miles and turn west onto County Road 5. From Fraser, drive north 0.25 miles from the northern part of Fraser and turn west onto County Road 5. You will see a road sign for Crooked Creek National Forest Access at this turn. West Trailhead The West Trailhead is located 12 miles south of Hot Sulphur Springs as the crow flies and is located off of County Highway 32. There is a large gravel turnoff area as well as a campground and parking lot just after turning off the highway. From Parshall, drive east 0.75 miles and turn south onto County Highway 3. Continue 15.3 miles south on Highway 3 and turn east onto County Highway 32, you will also see signs for National Forest Access and Horseshoe Campground. From Silverthorne, drive 12.5 miles north on Blue River Parkway/CO-9 and turn east onto Ute Pass Road/County Highway 3. Continue on Ute Pass Road/County Highway 3 for 11.8 miles and turn east onto County Highway 32, you will also see signs for National Forest Access and Horseshoe Campground.

Camping

Dispersed

Designated

Trail Reviews (9)

Author:	Ryan Boudreau Official Crew
Status:	Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:	10/14/2020

Although the trail is not officially closed until around waypoint 4, there are no recreation opportunities to that point. Just residences. Still closed due to fire activity.

Author:	Jen & JD Marshall Official Crew
Status:	Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:	08/14/2020

This trail is closed until further notice due to the William's Fork Fire in Grandy County.

Author:	Andrew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	07/20/2020

Chose this trail for a quick overnighter to see how the dog would do on offroad trails. Chose Keyser Creek because it seemed super tame and it was just that with a nice, wide, flat dirt road all the way through. Went on Sunday / Monday and there was quite a bit of traffic from motorcycles, quads, sxs's, and highway vehicles. Keep an eye out because a good majority were going faster than what they probably should. Views were spectacular. There's a lot more creek-side camp grounds on the West end of the trail.

Author:	Matt
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	07/15/2020
Rating:

Did this entire trail today while looking for wildlife photo opps. Saw a porcupine, very cool! It’s so green and lush and one of the most beautiful easy mountain trails around! Saw a good amount of campers but it felt like we had the mountain to ourselves most of the time! Very nice trail for a mellow drive and camp/picnik

Author:	Todd Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	06/15/2020

Open for the season :)

Author:	Paul Steen
Status:	Seasonal Closure
Offroaded on:	05/30/2020

Gate closed at #5. Several campers set up in the parking area.

Author:	David Weinstein
Status:	Seasonal Closure
Offroaded on:	08/17/2019

Great first time taking the Tacoma off-road. I was looking for a good beginner trail to test out my Tacoma and get us close to the UpSlope backcountry hike. Though most spots were taken for camping the trail was easy and fun and still had plenty of room for us to find a place. A friend's Jeep Liberty caught a rock and cracked its transfer case so I recommend taking it easy and having some armor underneath is always better.

Author:	Byron pollock
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	07/26/2018

Drove from Ute creek to Frazier. Road was open & fairly quiet.

Author:	Jen & JD Marshall Official Crew
Status:	Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:	06/29/2018

The Forest Service announced 06/29 that this trail and surrounding areas are closed for work on the Sugarloaf Fire. We will update this when the trail reopens.

Questions & Answers (1)

Q: Any signs about no overnight-camping at the seasonal gate at WP5? Looking to test out some winter camping gear and thought this may be a good spot as long as it's not prohibited.

–Paul (02/04/2020)

–Ryan Boudreau (02/05/2020)

Writer Information

Ryan Boudreau

Mapping Crew - Colorado

Hi, I'm Ryan! I am a Colorado native and I've been wheeling since I was 16 years old. I grew up with a relentless passion for all things Jeep and off road related, and that passion has never died out. I am a member of the Mile-Hi Jeep Club, Patrol 16 Sasquatch Jeepers and currently own an '06 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited (LJ) nicknamed "Minion". I am a huge supporter of Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly, and have participated and even been in charge of many trail restoration projects. I have been a trail leader several times for events such as All-4-Fun, ColoradoFest, Set Them Free, 14er Fest, and other. I am also the creator of the Unlimited LJ Adventure. My rig is built for extreme offroading, but I love to get my tires dirty on any kind of trail whether it's rock crawling or just scenic high Alpine drives. I've wheeled all over the country including Colorado, Utah, Kansas, the Carolinas, AZ, and California. I love a great adventure, and love even more to share those adventures with others. If you see the "minion" out on the trail, make sure to stop and say hello.

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