Directions:

From I-70, exit and head north on US 40 towards Berthoud Pass and Winter Park.  From the summit of Berthoud Pass head north to the fourth hairpin turn.  There is an obvious turnout with a trailhead sign for the Second Creek Trail.

Hike Description:

The Second Creek Trail, just north of Berthoud Pass, is short and sweet and amazingly beautiful.  The trail starts at a high elevation and climbs a somewhat steep 800 feet to a fantastic 10th Mountain Division Hut at the edge of the Vazquez Peak Wilderness.  The views are outstanding and perfect for a family friendly alpine adventure.

From the turnout off US 40 head up the trail through pine forest following along Second Creek.  It doesn't take long before the trees start to thin and the views start to take shape.  As you climb along the rocky terrain the views across the valley to the Continental Divide become grander and grander.  You are also rewarded with the views of the Nystrom Trail ridge that you are heading to and the beautiful Second Creek basin.  

At the 1 mile mark you'll see the Broome Hut.  This newly constructed hut is fantastic.  It is available for overnight reservations but also makes a great destination for a day hike.  There is a picnic table with amazing views, a bathroom, and a comfortable sitting area/warming hut.  Views from the hut include various peaks along the divide including; James Peak, Parry Peak, Mt. Flora, and Colorado Mines Peak.

The trail continues past the hut into the Vazquez Peak Wilderness.  If the hut is your destination, I strongly suggest continuing for just a few minutes to a cascading waterfall nestled behind the hut.  If you want more, continue up the trail into the wide open basin and the top of the ridge for views of Vazquez Peak and its surrounding wilderness area.