Payne Creek Trail via Brookside McCurdy Trailhead

Day 1:
Park at the Payne Creek/Brookside Trailhead (8,040 ft.) right outside Bailey. You'll go on the trail for about a mile before the trail parts to Craig Meadows or Craig Park. If you start this in the nighttime, it's best to camp before you part ways on the trail as it's a little more spacious once the trail divides. However, assuming you start in the daytime, head left to go toward Craig Meadows and climb an old logging road. Once you get to an aspen grove, this is a great spot to take a break. When you get to Craig Creek, you can easily stop to try your hand at fishing in the creek. Word is this is a great spot.

You'll begin to climb and arrive at the Colorado Trail (9,300 ft.). I would recommend camping near Craig Creek or somewhere when you arrive at the intersection of the Colorado Trail.

Day 2:
In the morning, you can go exploring further on the trail or head back toward your car at the trailhead.

Note: This trip is roughly 18 miles depending on how adventurous you’re feeling and how many miles you want to pursue. It's a designated wilderness, so you can camp anywhere along the trail. The best places to camp are along Craig Creek, and that is roughly 8 miles from the trailhead.

Please help keep Wilderness wild by following Leave No Trace practices.