Hiking Trails

North on Piedra Road (CR 600 FS 631) EASY

M O D E R AT E

South Highway 84

D I F F I C U LT

EASY

Beautiful box canyons along the Piedra River.

To get there: Access point #1 - Piedra Road North (CR 600 /FS 631) for 16 miles; after crossing the Piedra River, the parking lot is on the left. Trailhead elevation is 7,700 feet.

Access point #2 - Hwy 160 West for 22 miles; turn right on First Fork Road (FS 622), continue 12 miles to the road’s end, trailhead elevation is 7,200.

The Hike: 12 miles from trailhead to trailhead. An easy trail for all ages, just set the distance accordingly. From Piedra Road, the trail starts on the canyon rim and then descends to the river. Sheer cliffs rise on both sides for over several hundred yards. For a longer hike, a vehicle can be shuttled to the First Fork Road trail access.

M O D E R AT E

Sweeping Panoramic views of the west.

To get there: Hwy 84 South for 1/8 mile; left on Mill Creek Road (CR 302 /FS 662) for 7 miles; right on Nipple Mountain Road (FS 665) 9.5 miles. Trailhead is on the left, elevation is 10,040 feet.

The Hike: The first two miles of the Little Blanco Trail are steep and winding. The trail enters the South San Juan Wilderness area at 2.5 miles. Follow the trail ½ mile to the junction of the Quartz Lake Trail. The Quartz Creek Trail continues to the left for 1 mile north to Quartz Lake, at 11,600 feet. The lake itself is relatively small, but pristine. The Little Blanco Trail continues northeast four miles to the Continental Divide. The highest point is at 12,246 feet.

D I F F I C U LT EASY

13. ICE CAVE RIDGE

A nice geological detour.

To get there: Piedra Road North (CR 600 /FS 631) for 16 miles; after crossing the Piedra River, the parking lot is on the left.

Trailhead elevation is 7,700 feet.

The Hike: Start on the Piedra River Trail, after several hundred yards follow an old road bed to the right and a short trail up the ridge to fissures that are sheltered from the sun and contain snow into late June. This hike also has good views of the Piedra Valley.

EASY

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

19. QUARTZ LAKE VIA LITTLE BLANCO TRAIL (#572) & QUARTZ LAKE TRAIL (#568)

12. PIEDRA RIVER TRAIL (#596)

EASY

M O D E R AT E

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

20. OPAL LAKE TRAIL (#564)

Minerals deposited at the inlet of the lake give it its milky color.

To get there: Hwy 84 South for 8 miles, left on Blanco Basin Road (CR 326/FS 657) for 10 miles, right on Castle Creek Road (FS 660) for 3.5 miles, to the signed junction. Turn right and drive a short distance to the trailhead, elevation is 8,400 feet.

The Hike: The trail to Opal Lake is 1.2 miles. The trail enters the South San Juan Wilderness at about one mile. A portion of the trail is steep before it traverses an open meadow to the lake, passing through groves of aspens. The lake is bordered by wooded hillsides and a sheer mountain face.

D I F F I C U LT

14. PIEDRA FALLS TRAIL

Impressive falls thundering off a cliff into a v-shaped canyon of huge boulders.

To get there: Drive North on Piedra Road (CR 600 /FS 631) 17.8 miles to the junction at Sportsman’s Supply. Leave Piedra Road and continue on Middle Fork Road (FS 636) for two miles. Take the first road to the right, East Toner road (FS 637), it is 7.5 miles to the end. Do not attempt this road in wet weather. Trailhead elevation is 8,419 feet.

The Hike: ½ mile each way (½ hour round trip). A great hike for all ages. Walk upstream to a head gate where the trail begins.

The trail continues above and west of the head gate and river to the falls.

EASY

M O D E R AT E

EASY

Trail passes through several aspen stands.

To get there: Hwy 84 South for 8 miles; left on Blanco Basin Road (CR 326 /FS 657) for 10 miles; right on Castle Creek Road (FS 660) for ½ mile; right on Crescent Lane. Trailhead elevation is 8,115 feet.

The Hike: The trail is 7.7 miles from trailhead to the Navajo Peak Trail (# 577). Highest point is 10,433 feet; total ascent is 2,000 feet. This hike can be an out and back, or a vehicle can be shuttled to the Navajo Peak Trail.

D I F F I C U LT EASY

A steep hike at high elevation with views of Piedra river.

To get there: Piedra Road North (CR 600 /FS 631) for 17.8 miles; right on Middle Fork Road (FS 636) 5.6 miles to its end. Trailhead elevation is 8,400 feet.

The Hike: Ten miles in length from Middle Fork Trailhead over Palomino Mountain to the Continental Divide Trail. Crossing the Middle Fork can be difficult during high water. This trail is steep, ascends 4,600 feet and offers little camping.

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

EASY

D I F F I C U LT

Hike to lakeside picnic spots.

To get there: Hwy 84 South for 19 miles; left on Buckles Lake Road (FS 663) for 7 miles to the road’s end. Trailhead elevation is 9,639 feet.

The Hike: The trail passes Buckles Lake and ends at Harris Lake, round trip approximately 3 miles. This area is great for families, you’ll enjoy the beauty and serenity of camping and fishing right on Buckles Lake. Harris Lake offers an even quieter setting.

D I F F I C U LT

A beautiful hike with lots of wildflowers & views of Williams Creek Reservoir.

To get there: Piedra Road North (CR 600 /FS 631) for 22 miles; right on Williams Creek Road (FS 640) for 4.1 miles, the trailhead is on the left side of the road, just past the Cimarrona campground. Trailhead elevation is 8,400 feet.

The Hike: The first two miles of trail are moderately easy wandering through conifers and aspen groves. From here many switchbacks start a steep ascent. Choose your destination - the trail continues 8 miles to the Continental Divide Trail at Squaw Pass, ascending 3,100 feet. This trail meets Hossick Creek Trail mile 6.5.

M O D E R AT E

M O D E R AT E

23. BUCKLES AND HARRIS LAKES (#688)

17. CIMARRONA CREEK TRAIL (#586)

EASY

D I F F I C U LT

Follows a rambling creek.

To get there: Hwy 84 South for 8 miles; left on Blanco Basin Road (CR 326 /FS 657) for 10 miles; right on Castle Creek Road (FS 660) for 3.5 miles; LEFT at the Opal Lake junction for 3.5 miles to the road’s end. During wet weather, you may want to park here and walk. Trailhead elevation is 8,964 feet.

The Hike: 12 miles from trailhead to Continental Divide, up the north fork of Fish Creek to Fish Lake. There are several steep grades and stream crossings, the first crossing may be impassable. Highest point is 12,160 feet, ascending 3,200 feet.

The first few miles give the impression of a gigantic walled garden.

To get there: Piedra Road North (CR 600 /FS 631) for 22.3 miles; turn right on Williams Creek Road (FS 640) and follow it 4.8 miles to its end. Trailhead elevation is 8,360 feet.

The Hike: Trail ascends 3,400 feet in 14 miles from trailhead to Continental Divide. The trail includes three steep sections and two stream crossings (may be difficult during high water). This trail meets Indian Creek Trail (# 588) at mile 2.5 and Williams Lake Trail (# 664) at mile 7.5. The highest point is 11,800 feet.

M O D E R AT E

M O D E R AT E

22. FISH LAKE TRAIL (#574)

16. WILLIAMS CREEK TRAIL (#587)

EASY

D I F F I C U LT

21. LECHE CREEK TRAIL (#576)

15. MIDDLE FORK TRAIL (#589)

EASY

M O D E R AT E

EASY

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

24. V ROCK TRAIL (#578)

Spectacular panoramic views from the top.

To get there: Hwy 84 South for 19 miles; left on Buckles Lake Road (FS 663) for 7 miles to the road’s end. Trailhead elevation is 9,639 feet.

The Hike: 3 miles from trailhead to Leche Creek Trail (# 576), trail ascends 1,000 feet with the last mile being the steepest.

This hike is usually an out and back, but for a longer hike, a vehicle can be shuttled to the Navajo Peak Trailhead or the Leche Creek Trailhead.

D I F F I C U LT

18. WEMINUCHE TRAIL (#592)

Stunning scenery with water crossings and open meadows.

To get there: Piedra Road North (CR 600 /FS 631) for 22 miles; turn right on Williams Creek Road (FS 640) for 3.5 miles; turn left on FS 644 for 3 miles to the Poison Park Trailhead at the road’s end. Trailhead elevation is 9,210 feet.

The Hike: The Weminuche Trail provides a jumping off point for many other trails and destinations. The Weminuche Trail itself travels high above Weminuche Creek and passes the junction to Granite Lake. About 7 miles in length from the trailhead to the junction with the Divide Lake Trail (# 539), this trail meets the Hossick Creek Trail (# 585) at mile 2.2 and the East Fork of the Weminuche Trail (# 659) at mile 6.5. The trail drops in elevation for the first two miles to the junction with Hossick Creek (# 585) and Shaw Creek (# 584) trails; keep this in mind for the hike out after a long day.

A FEW

HIKING REMINDERS SET EASY TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES

Unless backpacking, plan to return well before dark.

THINK SAFETY

Take wet weather gear, map, water, and snacks. Always travel with a friend and let someone know where you are going.

HAVE A MAP

EASY

25. NAVAJO PEAK TRAIL (#577)

D I F F I C U LT

Relatively easy hiking through remote terrain.

To get there: Hwy 84 South for 24 miles to Chromo; turn left on Navajo River Road (CR 382) for 6.5 miles; turn left on Price Lakes Road (FS 731) 7.7 miles to the road’s end. Trailhead elevation is 9,380 feet.

The Hike: 7 miles from trailhead to Buckles Lake Road (FS 663) and while the terrain may be relatively easy, the trail may be difficult to follow in some areas. This hike can be an out and back, or a vehicle can be shuttled to Buckles Lake Road (at Big Branch Road). For a longer hike, a vehicle can be shuttled to the Leche Creek Trailhead. This hike takes you through the beautiful South San Juan Wilderness Area.

FREE MAP

Hiking Trails

The map on the reverse side will direct you to the various trail heads. However, it is a good idea to pick up a National Forest map as it more clearly shows all access roads and trails.

BE AWARE OF ALTITUDE

All of the hikes described herein begin at altitudes above 8,000 feet. Several reach to 12,000 feet at their summit.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Each hike is labeled “easy” to “difficult.” Only individuals in good physical condition should attempt the difficult hikes.

REMEMBER...

When you go downhill, you will have to climb back up when you return!

BE COLO-READY!

“DRESS IN LAYERS!” ARE WORDS TO LIVE BY. Our dramatic elevation changes mean we can ski in the mountains and then drop a few thousand feet to bike or drink a craft brew on a sunny patio.

Please Practice THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF

LEAVE NO TRACE

Learn more at visitpagosasprings.com/leave-no-trace-in-pagosa-springs

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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

M O D E R AT E

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO STICK TO TRAILS TRASH THE TRASH LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE KEEP WILDLIFE WILD SHARE OUR TRAILS & PARKS

ADDITIONAL PAGOSA AREA TRAILS INFORMATION Full listing of local trails, distances, difficulty levels & up-to-date trail conditions ‘For Hikers – by Hikers’ pagosatrails.org

www.visitpagosasprings.com

CO 3 MILES

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Beaver Creek Trail

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Treasure Falls

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1. FALLS CREEK TRAIL (#673) & FOURMILE FALLS

Hike leads to a beautiful 300’ waterfall.

To get there: Take Lewis Street North, veer left immediately on 5th street; stay right on Fourmile Road 8 miles; (CR 400 /FS 645); right at junction to the trailhead - elevation is 9,200 feet.

The Hike: 3 miles each way. The first 3 miles to Falls Creek Falls is relatively easy with gently rolling terrain through an open valley. After the waterfall, the trail becomes steep and is not recommended for stock. Hikers should proceed with caution.

There are longer day hikes and backpacking loop options available. It is an additional 1 mile to Fourmile Falls.

Please reference a forest service or topographical map for more information.

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

2. ANDERSON TRAIL (#579)

Features impressive views of the eastern edge of Pagosa Peak.

To get there: Take Lewis Street North, veer left immediately on 5th street; stay right on Fourmile Road 8 miles; (CR 400 /FS 645); right at junction to trailhead. Trailhead elevation is 9,200 feet.

The Hike: This trail begins at the Fourmile Trailhead, to the left of the Fourmile Trail. The trail climbs steadily for about 4 miles to skirt the east side of Pagosa Peak (11,200’). This trail does not go to the peak. The summit of Pagosa Peak is 12,640’. At Fourmile Lake, Anderson Trail junctions with the old Fourmile Trail. The hike to Fourmile Lake is 8 miles from the trailhead one way, with the trail ascending 2,600 feet.

This trail can be combined with the Fourmile Trail as a loop, recommended as an overnight trip. Please reference a forest service or topographical map for more information.

Highway 160 East D I F F I C U LT

3. COAL CREEK TRAIL (#581)

Great Mountain Views.

To get there: Access point #1 - Hwy 160 East for 3.5 miles; turn right on Fawn Gulch Road (FS 666), the trailhead is on the left near the road’s end. Trailhead elevation is 8,089 feet.

Access point # 2 - Hwy 160 East for 10 miles; right on East Fork Road (FS 667) for 4 miles, trailhead is on right before the bridge over Sand Creek and elevation is 7,936 feet.

The Hike: 10 miles in length from Coal Creek Trailhead at Sand Creek to the trailhead on Fawn Gulch Road, this trail crosses the shoulder of a mountain. The trail ascends 2,800 feet and the highest point is 10,800 feet. Both ascent and descent are steep and can be slick when wet. The first stream from Fawn Gulch trailhead may be impassable.

D I F F I C U LT

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OPAL LAKE

HARRIS LAKE

BUCKLES LAKE Big Branch Road

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664

CHALK MTN.

V ROCK

Ken Flat

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Navajo Peaks Trail

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zuma Mesa Monte

359 C oyote Park Rd

I D I F F I C U LT

Leche Creek Trail

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BlancoRd River

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Chromo Navajo R

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Blue Creek Road

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326

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STATE PARK

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CR Trujillo Rd. 500

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I N D I A N R E S E R V AT I O N

North of Downtown NAVAJO LAKE

EASY

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652

SOUTHERN UTE

Arboles

EASY

co an Bl

Fish Lake Trail

11,760’

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Left Hand Canyon Road

BL

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500

U SAN J

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CR

Bla

SQUARETOP MTN.

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Eight Mile Mesa Rd

Burns Ca 649 nyo nR d

613 There are many opportunities for ATV / OHV use in the Pagosa Springs area.

Stop by the Pagosa Ranger District office at 151 180 Pagosa Street for detailed Off Highway Vehicle Use information, or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ sanjuan/recreation/ohv

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651

Rd

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Porcupine Road

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ek

BLACKHEAD PEAK

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ECHO LAKE

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Echo Canyon Road

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CAPOTE LAKE

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Quartz Lake Trail

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Pagosa Springs

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Quartz Ridge Trail

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Devil Creek Road 627

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First Fork Rd

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PAGOSA LAKES

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Fawn Gulch

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vd N. Pa gosa Bl

Chris Mtn. 681 Road

Silver Falls

SOUTH SAN JUAN WILDERNESS

Coal Creek Trail

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STEVENS FIELD REGIONAL AIRPORT

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CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL MONUMENT

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CHRIS MTN.

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Quartz Creek Trail

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ALBERTA LAKE

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WOLF CREEK PASS 10

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BIG MEADOW RESERVOIR

Windy Pass Trail

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Fo Wes rk t Rd

No OHVs past this point

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8 SADDLE MTN.

QUIEN SABE MTN.

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Forest Service Road (unpaved)

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12,033’

MINERAL COUNTY

ARCHULETA COUNTY

Horse Creek

Fo ss

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Rainbow Trail

Turkey Creek Trail

12,640’

Rd

629

626

Non-Motorized Trail Continental Divide Trail

CR

10,875’

Fourmile Falls

PAGOSA PEAK

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622

County Road

Tre as u Trare M il t

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Anderson Trail

Bla c Ro k Mt ad n.

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636

No bikes past this point

vil Rd De tain un Mo

Motorized Trail

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Rainbow Trail

Turkey Creek Trail

TURKEY CREEK LAKE FOURMILE LAKES

637

12

Piedra River Trail

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ivide Trail ental D ntin Co

HINSDALE COUNTY

636

Piedr

Piedra Falls

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COLDWATER CREEK

639

160

Forest Service Roads are opened seasonally May through October and may close at anytime due to adverse conditions. Please check with the Forest Service or Visitor Center for current road conditions/status.

WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS

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631

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Water Fall

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4WD Road

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First F ork Trail

Mountain Peak

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Middle Fork Trail

WILLIAMS CREEK RESERVOIR

PIEDRA AREA

Mountain Bike Trail

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Horse Camp

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Fishing Area

Please use a Forest Service or current topographical map

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Kayak/Raft Area

This map is NOT for navigation purposes.

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Campground

Wilderness Area National Monument

Scenic Overlook

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Divide Lakes

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M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

©2016 TOR ANDERSON 6. TREASURE MOUNTAIN (#565) T R U E N O RT H D E S I GTRAIL NSWORKS

A spectacular trail to Windy Pass.

357 To get there: Hwy 160 East for 10 miles; right on East Fork Road (FS 667) for 7 miles. The trailhead is marked by a small sign on the left side of the road. 4WD vehicle is necessary. Trailhead elevation is 8,200 feet.

The Hike: After approximately three miles, the Treasure Mountain Trail from the northeast intersects the Windy Pass trail in a large scenic park. Windy Pass is about 3/4 of a mile to the west from this junction. You can return the way you came, or you can shuttle a vehicle to the Windy Pass Trail on Hwy 160 located west of Treasure Falls, across the highway from West Fork Road.

CR

EASY

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

7. QUARTZ CREEK TRAIL (#571)

The highest point in Archuleta County.

To get there: Hwy 160 East for 10 miles; turn right on East Fork Road (FS 667) for 8 miles, turn right on FS 684. Proceed 1.5 miles to the trailhead on the left. 4WD vehicle is necessary. Trailhead elevation is 8,898.

The Hike: This trail is 6.5 miles in length and accesses the Continental Divide Trail south of Summit Peak. This trail connects with the Little Blanco Trail just before joining the Continental Divide Trail.

EASY

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

8. WEST FORK TRAIL (#561)

Views of the San Juan Valley.

To get there: Hwy 160 East for 14 miles; left on West Fork Road (FS 648) for 3 miles passing a campground and the river.

Trailhead elevation is 9,040 feet.

The Hike: 13 miles from trailhead to Continental Divide at Piedra Pass, this trail ascends 3,600 feet with several stream crossings and steep grades. Portions of this trail cross private property so please stay on the trail. At mile 4.5, there is a junction with the Beaver Creek Trail (# 560), which is closed to through traffic due to safety concerns. Camping is permitted only in designated sites. Highest point is 11,700 feet. The combination of the West Fork Trail and Turkey Creek Trail is known as the Rainbow Trail.

EASY

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

9. TREASURE FALLS (#563)

A spectacular 100’ waterfall. Can be seen from the parking lot.

To get there: Hwy 160 East for 15 miles; right into parking lot.

Trailhead elevation is 8,112 feet.

The Hike: To the LEFT of the parking lot is a short trail that will take you to the base of the falls. Follow the trail a quarter mile to the bridge at the base of the falls. There is a more difficult trail to the right that also leads to the waterfall. Standing in the refreshing spray on the bridge, the falls rush down the cliff toward you. In the winter, these falls create a frozen blue sculpture. Elevation gain is 325 feet.

4. TURKEY CREEK TRAIL (#580)

Breathtaking scenery and lush meadows.

To get there: Hwy 160 East for 7 miles; left on Jackson Mountain Road (FS 037) for 4 miles to road’s end. Trailhead elevation is 8,240.

The Hike: Choose your own destination here. This trail is the longest in this section of the Weminuche Wilderness. It is 20 miles from the trailhead through breathtaking scenery to the Continental Divide at Piedra Pass. The first 3 miles is a moderate hike following above Turkey Creek, which will take you to a large meadow with expansive views and lush greenery.

The trail ascends 5,000 feet and has several crossings and steep grades.

EASY

M O D E R AT E

5. QUARTZ RIDGE TRAIL (#570)

EASY

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

10. CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL - CDT (#813 NORTH)

The top of the world!

To get there: Hwy 160 East for 23.5 miles; turn left at the scenic overlook sign towards Lobo Overlook. Drive unpaved road for approximately 3 miles to the radio tower. Trailhead elevation is 11,200 feet.

The Hike: The CDT trail begins behind the radio tower. You will feel as though you are truly on top of the world. You are standing on the “backbone” of the country - the dividing line for the eastern and western watersheds.

D I F F I C U LT

Nice clamshell geological formations.

To get there: Hwy 160 East for 10 miles; turn right on East Fork Road (FS 667) for 4 miles, the trailhead is on the right before the bridge over Sand Creek. The trail is accessed at the Coal Creek Trailhead. Trailhead elevation is 8,153 feet.

The Hike: Out and back or shuttle hike. 15 miles in length, this trail begins at Coal Creek Trailhead and returns to East Fork Road further east, near the Silver Falls Guard Station and trail.

This steep trail with several switchbacks goes up Sand Creek to Quartz Ridge before dropping down to East Fork. The last 1.5 miles passes through private property, so please stay on the trail. Highest point is 11,454 feet, ascending 3,518 feet.

EASY

M O D E R AT E

D I F F I C U LT

11. CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL - CDT (#813 SOUTH)

Beautiful vistas along the ridge above timberline.

To get there: Hwy 160 East for 23 miles to the summit of Wolf Creek Pass; the trailhead begins at the Continental Divide Sign on the right side of the highway. Trailhead elevation is 10,850 feet.

The Hike: Begin this trail at the summit of Wolf Creek Pass.

A well-marked trail travels south and climbs to the west of Wolf Creek Ski Area. It then leads to rocky ridges on the west side of Alberta Peak. There is no marked trail leading to the top of the peak (11,870’). Alberta Peak is 3 miles.