Clear Creek Trail

About

The Clear Creek Trail is a moderate 9.1-mile hiking route located in the Plateau Division of the Uncompahgre National Forest near Montrose, Colorado. The trail begins off Divide Road and offers two distinct access points: a lower trailhead and an upper trailhead. Hikers can park at the lower trailhead or mountain bike two miles up Divide Road to reach the upper one. The route starts as a smooth double track, passes through a narrow trail squeeze, and transitions into singletrack. After passing a gate, the path climbs slightly before descending onto the plateau rim via loose rock sections. The trail then contours around the mountain, following powerlines and a gulch back to the start. Elevation ranges from approximately 5,682 feet at the base to nearly 9,900 feet near the rim. The hike typically takes about five hours to complete and is accessible year-round, though conditions vary with season. Parking is available at the trailheads.