Bison Peak Summit

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
6.5-9h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
19.0 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,139 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Hike the Bison Peak Summit Trail to one of the most unique mountain plateaus. Dotted with large granite sculptures, Bison Peak is well worth exploring. Adventure to Bison Peak as a lengthy day hike, or consider camping on the summit, sheltered by large boulders. This hike is one for the books. On your next adventure to the Lost Creek Wilderness, make sure you hike the Bison Peak Summit Trail.

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Route Description for Bison Peak Summit

Bison Peak sits at 3,777 m in the Lost Creek Wilderness. Unfortunately, this trail is not well known, thus the trail is often desolate. We think that may change as adventurers realized how epic the Bison Peak Summit Trail really is. Unlike many of the mountain hikes in the area, the Bison Peak Summit is a wonderful year-round expedition. The lower altitude and dry climate of the area ensure easy hiking year-round. If you do adventure the Bison Peak Summit Hike in the winter, ensure to bring microspikes to help you navigate any possible slippery sections. Year-round, this trail is demanding and long. Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to refuel.

Embark on your adventure up to the Bison Peak Summit from the Bison Peak Trailhead off of County Road 77. Parking is plentiful so you should have no problem getting a spot. From the parking lot, take the Ute Creek Trail. This path will guide you along a meadow before curving you northeast. The route will follow the curves of the Ute Creek as you hike underneath tree coverage. Enjoy the grandeur of the fir and spruce trees that surround you and continue ascending the valley trail. As you hike up the trail, the path will diverge away from the creek and you will meet a fork in the road. Here, veer right, and you will be diverted onto the Bison Peak Trail.

At this point, the route will be exposed and rocky as you ascend towards the summit. Follow the cairns that mark the steep path from this point forward. You will encounter another intersection, stay left. Climb the rocky path to Bison Peaks Summit. Enjoy exploring the large rock garden and granite spires that litter the summit and revel in the panoramic mountain views. Look around the large sculptures and you might even find a logbook! Sign it to let people know you conquered the hike! Stay overnight if you have the proper gear or head back. To get back to the trailhead, retrace your steps along the route all the way back to the parking lot.

Getting to the Bison Peak Summit Trailhead

Find the trailhead for Bison Peak Summit off of County Road 77.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Backcountry Dispersed Camping Permitted

  • When to do

    June-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Bison Peak Summit Elevation Graph

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