Bard Creek Trail

This beautiful trail (USFS #83) can be hiked as an OB from either end but might be enjoyed best if hiked one-way, in full, using a car shuttle or key exchange. There is about a 17 mile/30 minute drive between the west TH and Empire Pass. 

West-side access is easy from the Herman Gulch/Watrous Gulch TH. The east-side/Empire trailhead is at a gate at the end of Bard Creek Rd.  It is difficult to drive to the gate directly due to the very bad road, but it can be hiked if no high clearance vehicle is available.  The mileage quoted includes the approximate 2.5 extra miles needed to walk back from the east TH to where cars can easily park at the top of Empire Pass (39.744520461184635, -105.6861895231141), about 1.25 miles west of Hwy-40 in Empire. 

When choosing which end to start the hike from, consider that trail descends from west to east.  East-bound gains about 2500' and west-bound ascends about 3400.'

• Suitable Activities: Hiking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast
• Avalanche Terrain Rating Complex View avalanche forecast.

• Length: 13.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,900 ft
• High Point: 12,048 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Clear Creek Ranger District (ARNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 15
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 15