Lively Loop

The Hike: Upper Gorman Creek Trail consists of several loops along the western border of Colorado Bend State Park. Unlike the Spice Woods Spring Trail on the other side of the park the terrain here is somewhat flatter and definately sunnier. That makes for an easier hike difficulty-wise and an easier hike in which to get sunburned!

The trails begin at the waypoint "Trailhead", located at the first parking area on the right after entering the park. Please note that the park headquarters is located at the other end of the park, so please make the visit there to pay the entrance fee, or better yet, buy a parks pass and help support the park system.

A sign at the trailhead hints that these trails might be called the Windmill Trail, in reference to a windmill found at the primitive camping area along the trail. The park website does make use of the term "Windmill Back Park Area", so be aware that these all refer to the same general area.

From the trailhead that path heads to the west into the undulating Hillcountry brush. The trails here form several loops, two of which are designated by colored trail markers. The blue trail marker group starts at the trailhead and loops around back to it. The yellow marker group shares a segment with the blue marker group and lies to the southwest.

A final semi-loop (marked with "No Trail Markers" according to the official park map) turns to the northeast from the yellow loop and intersects the park's dirt road at the waypoint "Turnaround". It's a short distance from here to the trailhead along the dirt road, but if you want to avoid any dusty encounters with cars and trucks, this is where to double back.

The blue topo track on the western side of the topo map is a rough approximation of the part of the yellow trail marker loop that I did not hike on my last visit (yes, it's not the best choice of colors!). The blue trail on the eastern side of the map is the Spice Wood Springs Trail that connects to this one via the long straight path.

The long, straight trail spur that heads to the east from the Upper Gorman Creek loops eventually connects with the Spice Wood Springs Trail and the Riverside Trails. For much of its length it parallels the dirt road leading into the park, though usually not within sight of it due to the brush. The trail undulates up and and down but otherwise shoots straight as an arrow for most of its 3.5 miles.

A short segment of the trail near its eastern-most edge technically hugs the dirt road. But the truth is that is really disappears and you might as well hoof it on the road for about a quarter mile before the trail veers off into the brush again.

The Upper Gorman Trail is less used than the two trail systems along the Colorado River and I've never seen more than a few people on the trail during my visits. It may be safe to say that I've seen more Armadillos on these trails, particularly the long, straight segment of the trail, than people.