Little High Creek
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| | Difficulty:2B I (v1a2 I) Raps:0-2+, max ↨30ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle: Rock type:Granite | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | June-Sept
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38.7041, -105.2687
38.7089, -105.2757
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WaterflowIntroduction
Little High Creek is a nicely carved, short granite slot on the southwest side of Pike's Peak near the old mining town of Cripple Creek, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and the Shelf Road rock climbing area north of Cañon City.
This carved, committing little drainage would be a good opportunity to introduce the sport if it weren't for how slippery it becomes in mid-late season or the current lack of a brush free exit path.
While in the area, check out the quick roadside hike to Guffy Gorge Paradise Cove.
https://ropewiki.com/Guffey_Gorge_Paradise_Cove
Approach
Drive: south from Florissant on Teller County Road 1 South for 13.2 miles. Turn Left on High Park Road for 3.9 miles continuing South. When High Park Road turns straight West, take a sharp left to the East onto the dirt road to Booger Red Hill BLM land. Follow this road between the fence lines guiding the two-track to the BLM land and trailhead.
Hike: East from the parking lot through a gate. Another trail heads south. Avoid this trail to the south as that follows an old road high above the drainage on the West rim. Heading East from the Trailhead, pass two gates on the well defined trail. Either depart the trail at the second gate aiming for the canyon below or maintain the trail a short distance and depart it when it turns north. Hike through fields to the gates of the cut Little High Creek has worn through this section of granite.
Descent
In mid-late season, this canyon can be slippery. Use a rope, if necessary, to protect the downclimbs.
1st Pool: bypass on Canyon Left
2nd Pool: Downclimb on Canyon Right
3rd Pool: 8ft downclimb into a chest deep pool, then walk a short ways next to the stream before the narrows start
Exit
Shortly after the narrows end and the canyon begins to open, Little High Creek becomes choked with vegetation making further downstream travel undesirable and the overgrown first gully to the east the seemingly preferable choice. There is an overgrown trail evident during the scramble up the first gully, but willows and brambles have taken it over. Long pants and sleeves can help with the bushwhack battle. Higher up, a few low grade easy rock climbing moves are required. This gully exit climb is the biggest negative of this adventure, however the top can be reached in about 10 minutes of effort and then it is easy walking northwest on the east rim until the landscape drops and an easy path goes back past the old cabin. Follow the approach trail back to the trailhead parking.
Red tape
Beta sites
2024-08 ropewiki entry added.
Trip reports and media
Dispersed Camping near the trailhead: https://www.campendium.com/booger-red-hill