Canyon of Gold: A Hidden Trout Wilderness Haven in Colorado’s Foothills

The proposed Grape Creek Wilderness Area is a hidden gem--a rare semi-desert wilderness with a trout-filled stream winding for dozens of miles from the high Wet Mountain Valley down to the edge of the Great Plains. Roadless and wild, hiking or backpacking along Grape Creek is one of Colorado's finest ecological transition wilderness hikes, from high semi-desert to ponderosa pine forests. Schools of trout stack up in Grape Creek like spawning salmon and herds of bighorns watch from the canyon rims above. This canyon of gold is somehow virtually unknown. Treks into this wilderness are not easy--I forded Grape Creek 42 times in 14 miles. There are cholla cactuses to avoid and sheer drop-off shelf trails. But it's well worth the effort for the adventurous and those seeking solitude. Instagram for adventure:   / douggeiling   Instagram for my vacation rental:   / owlhousewhidbey   Website for my vacation rental: https://owlhousewhidbey.com/ Airbnb link for my vacation rental: https://airbnb.com/h/islandowlhouse Personal website: https://dsgeiling.com/ Medium:   / ponderosa_pine   #adventure #backpacking #hiking #wilderness #wilderness areas #trout fishing #camping