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Mad Creek Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 156 Google reviews · Running trail in Steamboat Springs, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Mad Creek Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Mad Creek Trailhead
“Park near convergence of Mad Creek & the Elk River, beautiful water views, but steep drop offs not suitable for small children.”
“Excellent views, relatively easy hike.”
Wonderful little 1.5 mile hike up to Mad Creek Barn, an original homestead that is really well preserved by the state of Colorado. Once arrived, you will have great access to the entire barn and the foundation of the farmhouse. The hike starts out moderate for about a third of a mile and then it descends into easy.
Challenging hike with a steep incline, loose path, and limited shade. The cabin is worth the hike. Make sure you have adequate water and the endurance for the distance of this hike, at this altitude. Make sure you have water. Definitely an AM hike.
Perfect hike with the family. About 4 miles round trip if heading to see the barn. Don’t forget to cool off at the creek nearby after visiting the barn.
This is our favorite trail in Steamboat, and a perfect 5.5 miles (not the 8-10 listed on some apps) We did it on Sunday at 10 am in the Height of fall color season, and saw maybe 20 people. The trail starts out with an incline for approximately 1 mile, but it is not difficult.
Trail conditions & character
“Park near convergence of Mad Creek & the Elk River, beautiful water views, but steep drop offs not suitable for small children.”
“Park near convergence of Mad Creek & the Elk River, beautiful water views, but steep drop offs not suitable for small children.”
“I normally steer away from busy hikes, but this one was worth it for the mood I was in and my dogs enjoyed it.”
“9 miles but I just did it again on 4/24/24 and it's 5 miles roundtrip from the parking lot to the barn & back.”
Plan your run at Mad Creek Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Steamboat Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
