Backpack – Zirkel Circle via Slavonia Trailhead

Itinerary: Revel in flower filled meadows, crystalline lakes, and stunning views of the Continental Divide on a 10.4mile journey that follows the rushing waters of Gilpin and Gold Creeks to reach each lake. The first 2 days are a steady climb to Gilpin Lake followed by 2 days of gradual descent. 

• Day 1: Drive to Slavonia Trailhead (approx. 3.5 hrs from Golden). Pit toilets. Start hike on the Gilpin Trail #1161 and keep left to stay on Gilpin at the fork with the Gold Creek Trail (#1150). You will be hiking clockwise along Gilpin Creek. Continue a gradual ascent for 2 miles/ 927ft and find camping in the meadows along the creek.
  https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/38270?t=m4WoaQXdGZBEtibHopnL
• Day 2: Continue hiking the steady ascent up to Gilpin Lake Trail. Reach the lake after 2 miles/ 1000ft and find camping at least ¼ mile from the lake.
  https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/38271?t=uuZ3Pd8JSDg5faKtfq9U
• Day 3: Continue on the trail up a ridge (about 400ft up) and look back for a stunning view of Gilpin Lake. Continue and come to the junction with the Gold Creek Lake Trail #1150.1. Turn right here and continue downhill to Gold Creek Lake (keep right at the junction with Wyoming Trail #1101.1). Find camping at least 1/4mile from the lake. Total 3 miles/ 467ft ascent / 1,238 descent
  https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/38272?t=izLBMEytjRZIPsqE7no3
• Day 4. Complete the Zirkel Circle by continuing on the Gold Creek Lake Trail back to the TH. This final 3 miles is virtually all downhill along the creek, 3 miles /1,125 descent.
  https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/38273?t=J3W8ci3PwDwBhAOEgpGG
  

General Requirements: Camping must be at least ¼ mile away from Gold and Gilpin Lakes

Maps: https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/38275?t=AR7RKdyNHuVXNsoqZpPP

Meeting location and carpooling info will be provided via email prior to trip date.

Driving Directions: From West of Steamboat Springs, take Hwy 40 about 2 miles and turn right onto County Road 129. Travel north about 18 miles to the Seedhouse Road (NFSR 400; also CR 64) and turn right. Continue for about 11 miles to the end at the Slavonia Trailhead parking area.

Note: the Slavonia TH is very popular to plan accordingly to secure parking. If you want to arrive the night prior, dispersed camping is available on the road to the TH.