Lou Creek Pass - Gunnison / Ouray Counties - Colorado - 10,870 feet
Lou Creek to west. Fox Creek to east.

On Forest Trails between Ridgeway and Jackson Guard Station.
unpaved - dirt bike

photos by Chris Wilder, 8/17/2023

At the summit.

At the summit.

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Notes from Chris, 8/21/2023:
Last week I rode the Colorado 500 for the second year in a row. Something I plan to do as long as I can.

On Thursday we headed back to Crested Butte from Ouray via Nate Creek, Lou creek and the Alpine trail. These
are probably the toughest single tracks in the state with close to 175 switchbacks and nasty sections of rocks,
roots and climbs. At the top of Nate Creek we had all stopped to regroup and I happened to walk over to a sign on
a tree. Low and behold, it was a sign for Lou Creek Pass. I had no idea that pass was even there and after looking
at your spreadsheet I saw it is listed as a trail. According to the Forest service info I found it is open to motorcycles
July 1 through Labor day weekend. See USFS Nate Creek Trail.

Please note that this is not an easily bagged pass. It has VERY sharp switchbacks and steep climbs with rocks,
mud, stumps and creeks. I was on my 14 KTM 200XCW and it was not easy. Approaching from the east side would
be the easiest but in my mind one should ride the whole thing for the best and most tiring experience. Also don’t
go alone. We had a couple riders fall off the trail and need assistance and we were all A and AA riders.

From USFS Nate Creek Trail:
The Nate Creek Trail #221 begins at Forest Service Road #858, Owl pass Road, and ends at an intersection with the
Deer Creek Trail #223 and the Lou Creek Trail #222. When continuing onto the Lou Creek Trail, the route will take
you to the Silver Jack Reservoir for extended nine miles of adventure.