Newlin Creek Trail
Hike through a wooded canyon with ~18 creek crossings, leading to historical homestead and sawmill remnants. Requires 4x4 access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm creek crossings & fewer crowds
Newlin Creek Trail
Best Time
Warm creek crossings & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through a wooded canyon with ~18 creek crossings, leading to historical homestead and sawmill remnants. Requires 4x4 access.
"LOVED this trail! Crosses the creek, beautiful surroundings, and best of all our fur-kids loved it too!!"
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The last mile to the parking area is rough. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
📵 No Cell Service
Download offline maps and let someone know your hiking plans.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Newlin Creek Crossings
Throughout the trail
Navigate around 18 stream crossings, a fun and refreshing part of the hike, especially in warmer months.
Abandoned Homestead
Near the end of the trail
Discover remnants of an old homestead, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
Historic Sawmill
Toward the end of the trail
Explore an interesting steelwork sawmill from the late 1800s, hauled up the canyon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Access & Vehicle Needs
Best Time for Creek Crossings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The last mile to the parking area is rough. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended. +1
📵 No Cell Service
Download offline maps and let someone know your hiking plans.
👟 Waterproof Footwear Recommended
Expect around 18 creek crossings; waterproof shoes or sandals are a good idea.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Your furry friends will love this trail, especially the creek for cooling off.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The last mile to the parking area is rough. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended. +1
📵 No Cell Service
Download offline maps and let someone know your hiking plans.
👟 Waterproof Footwear Recommended
Expect around 18 creek crossings; waterproof shoes or sandals are a good idea.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Your furry friends will love this trail, especially the creek for cooling off.
⚠️ Turn Around Point
The last mile gets steep and views are obstructed; consider turning back before then.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Newlin Creek Trail is a beautiful and unique hike, praised for its numerous creek crossings and scenic wooded canyon. Visitors enjoy the historical remnants of an abandoned homestead and sawmill. However, the challenging final road access and the steep, obstructed views in the last mile are noted drawbacks. +3
"Went back in mid July, LOVED this trail! Crosses the creek, beautiful surroundings, and best of all our fur-kids loved it too!! We want to come back and explore more of this trail!"
Stella Firestorm
"Nice remote trail following the small creek up to an abandoned homestead. No cell service, restrooms, last section of the road is 4x4 only I'd say."
Truett Scofield
"Very relaxing, and parts of the trail is great if you need to loose weight, had a TKR. Just take your time and enjoy. You'll love the scenery, and you can see the mountain peaks through the trees. 🤗❤️🍃🌿🍃❤️🤗"
Angela Dearinger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is located southwest of Florence, Colorado. The final section of the access road is rough and requires a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle. Download offline maps as cell service is unavailable.
No, the last section of the road leading to the trailhead is unpaved and can be challenging, necessitating a vehicle with good ground clearance. +1
It's not recommended. A regular car may struggle with the rough terrain on the final stretch of the road to the trailhead.
The closest town is Florence, Colorado, located about 30 minutes away from the trailhead.
No, there are no restrooms available at the Newlin Creek Trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee required to hike the Newlin Creek Trail. It's a free public access trail.
Newlin Creek Trail is open year-round during daylight hours. Access may be limited in winter due to snow.
No permit is required for day hiking on Newlin Creek Trail.
While dispersed camping might be possible in the surrounding national forest, the trail itself is primarily for day hiking. Check with the local Forest Service for specific regulations.
The trail is considered moderate. While parts are relaxing, the last mile becomes steeper and more challenging. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail follows a creek through a wooded canyon. It features numerous stream crossings and becomes steeper in the last mile. +1
You'll cross the creek approximately 18 times along the trail, making it a unique hiking experience.
While not a primary feature, the creek itself has multiple small falls and cascades, especially in the summer.
Expect a beautiful, thickly wooded area along a stream, with mountain peaks visible through the trees.
The trail can be moderately busy, especially on weekends during peak season. Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning can offer a more secluded experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the numerous creek crossings, the historic sawmill, the abandoned homestead, and the lush forest scenery. The unique canyon walls also offer great shots. +2
Yes, the combination of water, forest, and canyon features provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Morning light can be beautiful filtering through the trees, and late afternoon can offer softer light. Be mindful of the trail's difficulty in the last mile.
Drone usage is subject to Forest Service regulations. Check with the San Isabel National Forest for current rules and restrictions before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for the canyon and forest. A waterproof camera or protective casing is advisable due to the creek crossings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the trail is generally moderate, be mindful of the steeper last mile, which might be challenging for very young children or those with limited stamina. Consider turning back before this section to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
🐶 Dog Owners
Ensure your dog is comfortable with water and has appropriate paw protection if the terrain is rough. As with all trails, remember to keep your dog on a leash where required and clean up after them. The lack of cell service also means you'll need to be extra vigilant about keeping track of your pet.
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts & Adventurers
The trail itself offers a moderate hike with unique features like creek crossings and historical sites, appealing to adventurers looking for more than just a standard walk in the woods.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Creek Crossings
These crossings add an adventurous aspect to the trail, making it a unique experience compared to more conventional hikes. They also provide excellent opportunities for photography, capturing the interplay of water, rocks, and the surrounding forest.
Vehicle Requirements and Trail Access
Furthermore, be prepared for a complete lack of cell service once you're on the access road and the trail itself.
Historical Significance of the Trail
Further along, the trail leads to an interesting historic sawmill. This steelwork structure was hauled up the canyon in the late 1800s, showcasing the ingenuity and labor involved in early industrial efforts in the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit