Hike to Bison Peak in the Lost Creek Wilderness

Start at Ute Creek trailhead just off country road 77 past Jefferson. It's well signed and easy to spot. The trail is fairly flat for a mile or two as it skirts private property to enter the Lost Creek Wilderness. Don't forget to register for your free permit at the box once you enter the wilderness. The trees start thickening here, although the forest is never dense. The aspens are sure to be stunning in the fall! 

The trail follows Ute Creek and starts a steep climb for the next two miles, eventually leaving the creek. There are not many good campsites on this part of the trail, as the terrain is never flat. At the top of the pass, Ute Creek Trail joins B. McCurdy Trail. Turn right onto this trail to continue to the summit. There are many good campsites past this point, so if you've hauled a heavy pack this far you'll have a good spot for the night. If there is a burn ban in place please follow it! There's so much dry fallen wood around that a stray spark could be a catastrophe.

The summit is two miles past the intersection. The trail continues to be steep, but you will start encountering more boulders about a mile in. Switchback up a hill as you leave treeline and top out on a huge flat plain covered in rock formations! It's so wide that there are cairns leading to the summit, although you can see pretty well where that is if you decide to make your own path. Go straight ahead, down into a mini valley featuring a single tower, then up and slightly left to the summit. Enjoy the views from the 12,431 ft peak! Pike's Peak is to the south, the Sangre de Cristo range is southwest, and northwest are the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges. The best part is that you'll probably have the summit to yourself to play on the rocks or relax in the sunshine. 

Return the same way. The steepness will speed your descent - I climbed up for ~ 4 hours and down for 2.