Tanglewood Trail near Bailey

This trail starts in a large parking lot normally but when we tried the road was washed out and closed to get to the trailhead. Our first adventure was to take off our shoes and wade across the 2 ft of water to get to the road. This added another 2 miles to the hike. (one mile each way to get to the trailhead) This was after the flooding in Colorado-mainly Boulder area. I guess they got their share of rain as well in Bailey. 

Directions are to start heading south on 285 to Bailey, then  head right on county road 43A for 6 miles till you get to CR 43, veer to the left. It will become a dirt road, pass a campground and will eventually dead end at the trailhead/parking lot.

This trailhead serves the Rosalie Trail as well. There are two signs marking the trail.

Here you can see the water running through the trail. This hike really tested the waterproofness of our boots.

There are about three crossings that were washed away . We used logs and got creative at each stream.

Enjoy the sounds of the water crashing over the rocks.

The hike begins on an old dirt road.

The aspens were just beginning to change.

Another crossing. It seems the bridge had floated down a bit.

About 1.1 miles into the hike the two trails separate. Keep straight for the Tanglewood Trail.

The trail begins to get steeper and rockier and thinner as it goes into the forest.

The trees change to evergreen as you climb higher.

The trail will become wet, and boggy since it sticks close to the creek.

We did not make it to the saddle because we added the 2 miles onto our distance. We ended up with  9.55 miles and 2,040 elevation gain. Next year we will make it to the saddle and start at the trailhead.

Heading back.

This was a creative crossing. The bridge was washed down the river. We backtracked until we found some logs to get across.

If you continue onto the saddle, you will reach 11,742' via steep switchbacks. And further still to Roosevelt Lakes. We passed many backpackers who make it to the lakes and spend the night, hike back the next day.