Vallecito To Johnson Creek
Date: 08-31-2024
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Vallecito TH
Distance: 9.1m
Elevation Gain: 1910ft
Duration In: 3hrs 20min
GPX
It is hard to believe I had not done this approach until the year after completing Colorado's ranked 13ers. The 9+ miles to camp felt relatively easy on this well maintained and gentle trail.
Fun Fact: Years ago, in my kayaking days, I hiked the first mile of this trail scouting Vallectio Creek. Vallecito is know to be a classic and is one of Colorado's more difficult (V+) steep creeks. It has been called "The best mile of boating in Colorado".
![Johnson creek approach 01]()
9.1m - 1910ft - 3hrs 20min
![Johnson creek approach 02]()
The Vallectio Creek Trail
![Johnson creek approach 03]()
The Vallectio Creek Trail
![Johnson creek approach 04]()
One of many bridges on the trail
![Johnson creek approach 05]()
Looking upstream (north) from a bridge
![Johnson creek approach 06]()
![Johnson creek approach 07]()
![Johnson creek approach 08]()
![Johnson creek approach 09]()
There is one larger creek crossing before camp. Looking back on the creek crossing - it was fairly easy and just below my knees. It can be waist deep and more difficult in the spring
![Johnson creek approach 10]()
![Johnson creek approach 11]()
![Johnson creek approach 12]()
the final bridge to camp
