Access: Travel southeast from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 7.3 miles, to the intersection of Colorado Highway 149 and Forest Road #600 (Pool Table Road), then approximately 9.5 miles northwest on Pool Table Road #600 to the Hanson's Mill camping area. Starting at Hanson's Mill, the first 1.75 miles follows a 4-wheel drive road down towards East Bellows Creek.

Attractions & Considerations: The trail provides good hiking access to Wheeler Geologic Area, Halfmoon Pass, and the La Garita Wilderness. Beautiful views and unique geologic features are the main attractions of this trail. Decent camping areas are not hard to find. Two segments of the trail area are driveable with 4-wheel drive vehicles. Opportunities for fishing exist in East Bellows Creek. Trail allows for a good overnight backpack visit to Wheeler Geologic Area. Domestic sheep may be seen grazing during the summer months.

Narrative: After arriving at Hanson's Mill, those planning to hike to Wheeler Geologic Area should follow the 4-wheel drive road heading in a northeasterly direction. After approximately 1/4 mile, this road will fork. Follow the left (west) fork of the road for about 1 mile down into the East Bellows Creek drainage. The foot trail will begin just before this road reaches the Creek. Shortly after the trail begins, it will cross East Bellows Creek. The old sheep bridge is no longer useable, so hikers may get their feet wet. Crossings in the early summer can be dangerous After the creek crossing, the trail will head up the west fork of East Bellows Creek (Canon Nieve). In approximately 1/2 mile, the trail will fork. This junction is signed. Take the trail fork heading west for the best traveling to Wheeler. The trail will make a gradual climb through open parks and scattered timber patches before joining the 4-wheel drive access road to Wheeler. Follow the road west for about 1 mile to its end at a pole fence in a small meadow below Wheeler Geologic Area.

The unique, picturesque features of the geologic area are about 1/4 to 1/2 mile north from the end of the road. The foot trail to Wheeler will quickly meet the West Bellows Creek Trail. Follow the sign directions and continue up West Bellows Creek Trail. Just before reaching the lower base of the geologic formations, you will come to the junction of this trail with the Wheeler-Wason Trail #789. Take the trail fork that heads north and in 150 yards you will be at the base of the beautiful Wheeler Geologic formations. The trail continues past a shelter home (Be sure to stop and sign your name in the guest register!), through a stand of timber, and climbs above the formations. Some magnificent views are available before one conquers the crest of the La Garita Mountains at Halfmoon Pass.

Fern Creek Trail #815
The first 4 1/2 miles of this trail is open to foot, horse, ATV, and Mountain Bike use to approximately 1 mile past Little Ruby Lake to the Weminuche Wilderness Boundary.

Trail Beginning: At Fern Creek Trailhead, approximately 1-1/4 miles from the Fern Creek Road junction with Highway 149 at an elevation of 9,200 feet.
Trail Ending: At junction with Squaw Creek Trail #814 about 2 miles south of 30-Mile Campground at an elevation of 9,800 feet.
Length: 15 miles. (24 km)
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Easy to Hard
USGS Map(s): Little Squaw Creek, Workman Creek
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for approximately 16 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and the Fern Creek Road #522. The intersection is approximately 1/4 mile past the turn-off to the Wetherill Ranch. Proceed for 1-1/4 miles to the Fern Creek Trailhead. The Fern Creek Trail #815 begins at the south end of the corrals. Beginning point of the trail is signed.

Attractions & Considerations: The Fern Creek Trail is primarily used for access to the popular Ruby Lake Area. Use beyond the Ruby Lake Area toward Little Squaw Creek and Big Squaw Creek is often very light in the summer months. This trail serves as a fine gateway to the Weminuche Wilderness.

The best camping areas along this trail are between the Little Ruby Lake and Chief Mountain areas. Most trail users go to Big Ruby Lake and camp near the old cabins on the north shore of the lake. Domestic sheep grazing does occur along and near the trail at various times during the summer. No sheep grazing is allowed in the immediate area around Little Ruby or Big Ruby Lakes.

The Texas Creek crossing can make for wet feet, but is not a hazardous situation. Little Squaw Creek has a foot bridge for hikers to use. A 1 to 1-1/2 mile segment of the trail in the lower Chief Mountain Area can be hard to follow as no defined trail tread exists. For best results, look for stock driveway markers on trees and posts.

The best fishing opportunities along the trail are at Big Ruby Lake and Little Ruby Lake and in Texas Creek and Little Squaw Creek.

Narrative: This trail begins by making a rather steady strong 3-1/2 mile climb toward Little Ruby Lake. A few short flat stretches help give the hiker a short breather but more climbing always lies ahead. After reaching Little Ruby Lake, the trail grade flattens out, makes a short climb through a small patch of spruce, then heads gradually downhill to Texas Creek. The climb out of Texas Creek is neither long nor difficult. For a mile beyond Texas Creek, the trail passes through the flat plateau country known as California Park. It then makes a steep winding descent through spruce timber and into the Little Squaw Creek bottom. Shortly after reaching the scattered park-like area in the narrow Little Squaw Creek Canyon, the trail reaches the rickety old sheep bridge crossing of the creek. The trail passes through some spruce-fir timber stands and then cuts sharply up toward Chief Mountain. Once out of the timber, the trail continues to climb through some grassy parks for about another mile. The trail tread is not well-defined in this area but keep an eye out for stock driveway signs on scattered trees and trail post markers. The trail will begin heading down a small grass draw and shortly the trail tread will begin to become very evident. The trail continues downward at a gradual grade before reaching an old burn area where it makes a steep descent to the Squaw Creek Trail.

Goose Creek Trail #827
Trail Beginning: At the junction with Roaring Fork Trail #807, approximately 2 and 1/2 miles east of Lime Creek Trailhead at 9,600 feet elevation.
Trail Ending: At junction with Fisher Creek Trail #826, approximately 1/4 mile above Little Goose Lake at an elevation of 12,400 feet.
Length: 12.9 miles. (20.6 km)
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
USGS Map(s): Spar City, S. River Peak, Lake Humphrey
Recommended Season: Summer to Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 7 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #523 (Middle Creek Road). Follow the road signs giving directions and distances to the North Lime Creek Trailhead. The trailhead is approximately 12.5 miles from the Highway 149 turnoff. From the trailhead, proceed easterly on the Roaring Fork Trail #807 for approximately 2-1/2 miles. Goose Creek Trail #827 junction with Roaring Fork Trail #807 is signed.

Attractions & Considerations: The trail basically parallels Goose Creek, which is well-known locally as one of the best small stream fisheries in the Upper Rio Grande Drainage. Users of the Goose Creek Drainage should be aware that public access to the Lake Humphrey and Lower Goose Creek Area is prohibited by private landowners.

Good camping areas abound along the Goose Creek Trail. Opportunities to see elk are excellent in the upper reaches of the drainage. Cattle graze in various areas along the trail for most of the summer.

Narrative: The Goose Creek Trail #827 immediately makes a shallow crossing of Roaring Fork Creek and then drops sharply through thick aspen stands to the Goose Creek bottom. The trail will shortly cross the mouth of Fisher Creek and then proceed up the scattered finger-like parks and patches of timber common to the Goose Creek bottom. The trail grade is gradual for most of the 11 miles the trail parallels Goose Creek. The trail begins to make a fairly steep 1-mile long climb out of the upper treeless slopes of Goose Creek. to the divide between Goose Creek and Little Goose Lake. After a short steep descent toward Little Goose lake, the trail ends at the junction with the Fisher Creek Trail #826. For its entire length, the trail is easy to follow, with a well defined tread.

Ivy Creek Trail #805
Trail Beginning: At Ivy Creek Campground at an elevation of 9,200 feet.
Trail Ending: At the south end of Goose Lake at 11,800 feet elevation.
Length: 8.1 miles. (12.8 km)
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderately Hard
USGS Map(s): Spar City, S. River Peak
Recommended Season: Summer & Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 7 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #523 (Middle Creek Road). Follow the road signs giving directions and distances to Ivy Creek Campground. The campground is approximately 10.5 miles from the Highway 149 turn-off. Ivy Creek Trail #805 begins at the east end of the campground. The trail beginning is signed.

Attractions & Considerations: The Ivy Creek Trail provides the shortest, quickest route to Goose Lake from the Rio Grande Drainage. From Ivy Creek Campground, hikers should plan a very full day of exercise to get to Goose Lake. The one mile climb out of the Ivy Creek Drainage to the Fisher Creek Divide can be a tongue-dragging climb in the heat of the day.

Good camping spots are not hard to find along most of the trail. The most frequently used areas are at Goose Lake and near the upper crossing of Ivy Creek. The trail crosses Ivy Creek twice. High water crossings in the early summer can be quite hazardous. The best panoramic views from the trail are after one climbs out of the Ivy Creek Drainage. Fishing of Ivy Creek is good for pan-sized trout. Goose Lake is also rated good for catching trout.

Narrative: The trail leaves the campground without any hard climbing. It will cross Ivy Creek within one mile of the trailhead and continue a very gradual climb through open parks adjacent to Ivy Creek for another 1-1/2 to 2 miles. It will then leave the immediate creek bottom area, climbing through spruce-fir tree stands before coming back to the Ivy Creek bottom. Immediately after coming back to Ivy Creek, the trail will again cross the creek and meander along the edge of an open park for about 1/2 mile. The trail will then enter the timber and begin a steep mile long climb to the divide between Fisher and Ivy Creeks. Once at the open park on the divide, the trail grade flattens out considerably. Shortly, the trail will enter the timber again, and pass through a series of parks and scattered timber for the distance to Goose Lake. The trail is well-defined for its entire length.

Red Lakes Trail #889
Trail Beginning: At its junction with Texas Creek Trail #816 at Big Ruby Lakes at an elevation of 11,200 feet.
Trail Ending: At the junction with Texas Creek Trail #816 near Red Lakes at an elevation 12,200 feet.
Length: 4.3 miles. (6.9 km)
Use: Medium
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): Little Squaw Creek, Workman Creek
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall

Access #1: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for approximately 16 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and the Fern Creek Road #522 The intersection is approximately 1/4 miles past the turn-off to the Wetherill Ranch. Proceed for 1 1/4 miles to the Fern Creek Trail #815 approximately 4 mike to its junction with Texas Creek Trail #816 at Fuchs Reservoir. At Fuchs Reservoir, take Texas Creek Trail #816 south for approximately 1/4 miles to Big Ruby Lake and its junction with Red Lakes Trail #889.

Access #2: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for approximately 20 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520. Proceed for approximately 1 mile and turn south onto the dirt road which runs into the Rio Grande (Box Canyon) Summer Home Group. This intersection lies about 1/2 mile past the road into San Juan Ranch. Proceed for approximately 1 3/4 miles to the Texas Creek Trailhead. Three gates will have to be opened and then closed behind you on this road. The Texas Creek Trail begins between two Forest Service permitted summer homes. Follow Texas Creek Trail approximately 5 miles to Big Ruby Lake. Here Red Lakes Trail #889 intersects the Texas Creek Trail.

Attractions & Considerations: The Red Lakes Trail is a lightly used trail which is one of the two trails that provide access. from Big Ruby Lake to Red Lakes and Trout Lake. Texas Creek Trail #816 also provides access from Big Ruby Lake to Red Lakes and Trout Lake. A trail into Jumper Lake intersects the trail approximately 2 1/2 miles up the trail from Big Ruby Lake. The trail ascends to the left off the Red Lakes Trail. Two trail marker posts are visible to the left and up. Another marker is visible straight ahead in the distance which marks the Red Lakes Trail. Jumper Lake lies down in a very steep valley about one mile along the trail. The hike takes approximately 45 minutes going into the lake. Because of the steepness of the valley it lies in, you should figure on a good hour to get back out and back to the Red Lakes Trail. Jumper Lake is an excellent fishing lake.

Narrative: The Red Lakes Trail lies to your left from the big cabin at Big Ruby Lake as you are facing the lake. The trail follows the northeast shoreline of the lake then makes a steep ascent out of Ruby Lake for about an eighth of a mile, then it levels off and moves gradually upward. The walk should be easy. Once out of the trees and into the meadows, you are treated to an excellent postcard view of Ruby Lake below with the north side of the Continental Divide behind it. The view of Ruby Hill will appear a couple of times before you enter the high alpine meadows above timberline. We recommend detouring up to the pass overlooking the valley in which Jumper Lake lies. The trail to Jumper Lake goes left (east) and up at its junction with the Red Lakes Trail. It is about one mile into Jumper Lake. Don't confuse the trails. You will see the marker for the Red Lakes Trail straight ahead in the distance. Red Lakes is about two miles from the junction with the trail into Jumper Lake. Look for a hanging garden on your left surrounded by a field of wildflowers about a mile from Red Lakes. From Red Lake, where the Red Lakes Trail ends, you have access to Trout Lake, just a little under two miles away to Texas Creek Trail #816 or back to Ruby Lake via Texas Creek Trail #816, a distance of approximately five miles. The trail to Trout Lake (Texas Creek Trail #816) turns south slightly west and south of Red Lakes. You may not wish to descend into the valley that Trout Lake is in, but you can see it from the pass. On your hike, watch for white-tailed ptarmigans perched on the rocks in the marshy areas. This is the hen-like mountain bird that prefers to run rather than to fly from danger.

Squaw Creek Trail #814
Trail Beginning: Near the West Loop Road of 30-Mile Campground at 9,400 feet elevation.
Trail Ending: At junction with Continental Divide Trail #813, at the headwaters of Squaw Creek near Squaw Pass at an elevation of 10,800 feet.
Length: 9.9 miles. (15.8 km)
Use: Moderate to Heavy
Difficulty: Easy
USGS Map(s): Little Squaw Creek, Weminuche Pass
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Upper Rio Grande River Road), then approximately 9 miles to 30-Mile Campground. Trail leaves the campground about 100 yards south of the amphitheater area. Trail is signed as it leaves the West Campground Loop Road. A backpacker/angler parking area is located within 30-Mile Campground a short distance from the trailhead. Horse and pack stock are not allowed in the campground except to follow the road to the trailhead. Two unloading and packing areas for saddle and pack stock are located immediately along Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520 just 1/4 and 1/2 mile below the campground. The unloading and packing horse trailhead area that lies 1/2 mile from the campground has hitching rails and loading ramps.

Attractions & Considerations: The trail primarily parallels Squaw Creek from 30-Mile Campground to the Continental Divide. Good fishing is possible along Squaw Creek and nice camping areas are easy to find along the trail. Squaw Creek provides some good pan-size fishing opportunities. The upper 4 miles of the trail wanders around and through numerous boggy areas. Wet feet are easy to come by if one is not careful. Elk can often be sighted in the evening or early morning hours in the open, wet meadows below Squaw Pass. With binoculars one might also be able to spot a Bighorn Sheep grazing the rugged rocky slopes below Hossick Peak. Domestic sheep grazing occurs at various times during the summer months in the grassy meadows in the upper l/2 of the Squaw Creek Drainage.

Narrative: The Squaw Creek Trail meanders up the Squaw Creek Drainage at a very gradual grade. The trail begins with a short climb away from 30-Mile Campground, drops quickly down to the Squaw creek bridge, and within a mile, begins to wander through the grassy meadows adjacent to the creek bottom. The trail continues to make a long, gradual climb until just before reaching the Continental Divide Trail #813. The final 1/2 mile of the trail to the Divide is somewhat rocky and slightly steeper than the previous 6 to 7 miles of trail. The trail is well-defined and easy to follow for its entire length.

Squaw Lake Trail #890
Trail Beginning: At junction with Squaw Creek Trail #814 approximately 6 miles from 30-Mile Campground at 10,400 feet elevation.
Trail Ending: At junction with Continental Divide Trail #813, approximately 1 mile above Squaw Lake at 12,400 feet elevation.
Length: 3.7 miles. (6 km)
Use: Moderately Light
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
USGS Map(s): Little Squaw Creek, Weminuche Pass
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Upper Rio Grande River Road), then approximately 10 miles to 30-Mile Campground. Take the Squaw Creek Trail #814 from the campground. Follow the trail approximately 6 miles. Look for the new bridge crossing on Squaw Creek. Cross the bridge and you are on the Squaw Creek Trail #890. There are no signs at the Squaw Lake and Squaw Creek Trail Junction. A backpacker/angler parking area is located within 30-Mile Campground and saddle and pack stock unloading and packing facilities are located 1/4 and 1/2 mile respectively along the Rio Grande Reservoir Road just before reaching the campground.

Attractions & Considerations: The trail lies deep within the body of Weminuche Wilderness. Good access to the Continental Divide is provided by this trail. Pleasant camping areas exist at Squaw Lake and at the beginning of the trail after crossing the Squaw Creek Bridge. Beautiful panoramic views from the trail are possible once trail users climb above treeline, after leaving Squaw Lake for the Continental Divide. Good fishing is possible at Squaw Lake. It is not uncommon to see elk grazing from the upper portions of the trail. Domestic sheep sometimes graze the alpine meadows near the Continental Divide above Squaw Lake.

Narrative: The lower segment of this trail was recently reconstructed in 1979. After crossing the Squaw Creek bridge, the trail makes a steady gradual climb through a mixed old growth spruce-fir timber stand. About half a dozen switchbacks are made in the trail to reduce the steepness of the 1,500 feet elevation difference from the trail beginning to Squaw Lake. From Squaw Lake to the Continental Divide, the lower segment of the trail is very steep for about 1/2 mile after crossing the Squaw Lake dam. The upper segment is a gradual steady climb to the Continental Divide. This segment is not defined well by a trail tread or with rock cairns. Hikers should have little trouble spotting the Continental Divide Trail in the open treeless area above Squaw Lake.

Texas Creek Trail #816
This trail is no longer maintained under the developed trail system.>

Trail Beginning: At Texas Creek Trailhead, approximately 1 3/4 miles from the junction of the Rio Grande (Box Canyon) Summer Home Group road junction with the Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520 at an elevation of 9,040 feet.
Trail Ending: At junction with West Trout Creek Trail #895 at Trout Lake at an elevation of 11,640 feet.
Length: 12.9 miles. (20.8 km)
Use: Light to Medium
Difficulty: Easy/Difficult. First 2.5 miles most diff.
USGS Map(s): Hermit Lakes, Little Squaw
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for approximately 20 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520. Proceed for approximately 1 mile and turn south onto the dirt road into the Rio Grande (Box Canyon) Summer Home Group. This intersection is about 1/2 mile past the road running into San Juan Ranch. Proceed for approximately 1 3/4 miles to the Texas Creek Trailhead. Three gates will have to be opened and then closed behind you on this road. The Texas Creek Trail begins between two Forest Service permitted summer homes. Beginning point of the trail is signed.

Attractions & Considerations: The Texas Creek Trail is a lightly used trail which provides access to the popular Ruby Lake area and Trout Lake. From Big Ruby Lake either this trail or Red Lakes Trail #889 will provide access to Red Lakes and Trout Lake. This trail serves as a gateway into the Weminuche Wilderness, but because it is very steep for the first 2 1/2 miles or more, should only be undertaken by the physically conditioned. The trail will offer a fine opportunity for solitude except where it runs through the Ruby Lake area. Camping is not permitted at the trailhead itself since it is located within the Rio Grande (Box Canyon) Summer Home Group. This is a group of private summer homes that lie on Forest Service land which have been authorized by Special Use Permits. Please remember to respect private property. Parking for the trail is available approximately 200 yards northeast of the trail. Trail signs along the road from the parking area point the way to the trail. Domestic sheep grazing does occur along and near the trail at various times during the summer. No sheep grazing is allowed in the immediate area around Little or Big Ruby. Fishing opportunities exist along most of Texas Creek and at Little Ruby Lake, Big Ruby Lake, Jumper Lake and Trout Lake.

Narrative: Texas Creek Trail #816 (from Texas Creek Trailhead to Trout Lake). From the trailhead, the trail ascends sharply for about a half to three quarters of a mile through the spruce and then descends sharply for about a quarter of a mile to Texas Creek. Look for the trail markers at Texas Creek. More than likely, Texas Creek will have to be waded, so be prepared. Once across the creek, the trail moves into the trees again and ascends in a very difficult and steep climb for the next two or more miles. This trail is not for the novice and will be difficult even for the experienced backpacker. The trail tops out in a small meadow. Look for the trail markers that should be slightly to your left. From this point, the hike to the junction with Fern Creek Trail at Little Ruby Lake (approximately 1 mile) is easy. Follow the trail around Little Ruby Lake to the Fuchs Reservoir and then onto Ruby Lake (approximately 1 mile). Ruby Lake, though heavily used, is a possible place to camp.

If you wish to push on in order to find a more secluded campsite, then look for the marker of the Texas Creek Trail to your right around the lake from the big cabin. A short 20 minute hike will place you in the Texas Creek drainage land in a large meadow with campsites located at various treeline locations. At the point where the trail and the creek meet, you should be able to see two trails across the creek. Follow the one to your left (south). You should see trail markers clearly visible on a gradual sloping trail that moves in a line parallel with Texas Creek. There are excellent campsites all along this trail as it moves gradually higher. You are on the trail to Trout Lake with about six miles to go. After approximately one mile the trail will head to your left over a marshy meadow and will cross Texas Creek again. It then bends right and heads up into the high grasslands above the trees. As you move into the high meadows, you should have a magnificent view of the northern portion of the divide. You will pass by a number of small unnamed glacier lakes.

As you proceed up from the lakes in a southeasterly direction, you will follow trail markers clearly placed until you top out. Chief Mountain will be on your right (southwest). Now proceed southeast across the grassy meadow. There is a trail marker on the other side of the meadow, off in the distance, but it is difficult to see. If you have binoculars, then use them. If not, walk out into the meadow and head southeast until the marker becomes visible in front of you. Keep Chief Mountain on your immediate right. Once across the meadow, you will see trail markers going south. The collection of lakes on your left is part of Red Lakes. When you get to the edge of the Alpine valley that Trout Lake is in, you will be able to look down and see it. The trail down is tricky, with loose rock near the top. Don't miss the tumbling gardens of wild flowers and the waterfalls on your way down. If you brought your fishing tackle, you may have fresh trout from the lake for dinner.

Because the trail from Texas Creek Trailhead to Little Ruby Lake is so difficult, if you are not in very good shape, you may wish to hike up to Little Ruby Lake along the Fern Creek Trail #815 and then join the Texas Creek Trail at its junction with the Fern Creek Trail. The Texas Creek Trail will then go on to Big Ruby Lake.

Weminuche Trail #818
Trail Beginning: On West Loop Road of 30-Mile Campground at an elevation of 9,400 feet.
Trail Ending: At Weminuche Pass on the Continental Divide at 10,600 feet elevation.
Length: 5.5 miles. (8.8 km)
Use: Moderately Heavy
Difficulty: Easy
USGS Map(s): Weminuche Pass
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede an Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Upper Rio Grande River Road), then approximately 10 miles to 30-Mile Campground. The trail leaves the campground about 100 yards south of the amphitheater area. Trail is signed on the West Campground Loop Road. A backpacker/fisherman parking area is located within 30-Mile Campground a short distance from the trailhead. Horse and pack stock are not allowed in the campground except to follow the road to the trailhead. Two unloading and packing areas for saddle and pack stock are located immediately along Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520 just 1/4 and 1/2 mile below the campground. The unloading and packing horse trailhead area lies 1/2 mile from the campground and has hitching rails and loading ramps.

Attractions & Considerations: The Weminuche Trail #818 provides quick easy access to the Continental Divide. From 30-Mile Campground, the trail allows a hiker to be at Weminuche Pass after an easy four-hour trip. Shortly after crossing the Weminuche Creek Bridge, many good camping areas are possible. At 10,600 feet in elevation, Weminuche Pass is the lowest point on the Continental Divide in the Weminuche Wilderness. Hikers often use the Weminuche Trail as the first day hike on a longer trip to the Rio Grande Pyramid and"Window" areas along the Continental Divide.

Narrative: The Weminuche Trail is well-defined and easy to fallow. The trail begins with a gradual steady climb away from 30-Mile Campground and through mixed aspen and spruce tree stands above the Rio Grande Reservoir. After a 1.5 mile distance, the trail crosses the Weminuche Creek Bridge and makes a short steep climb out of the creek bottom. Once out of the immediate creek bottom area, the trail passes through patches of timber and many small grassy parks before reaching the Weminuche Pass Area. The upper 3 mile segment of this trail is not hard to hike and makes a fairly gradual climb to the pass.

West Lost Trail #822
Trail Beginning: 10,300 feet elevation. At junction of West Lost Trail Creek and Lost Trail Creek, approximately 1.4 miles north of Lost Trail Creek Trail #821.
Trail Ending: 12,350 feet elevation. At Continental Divide above Cataract Lake.
Length: 6.1 mi. (9.8 km)
Use: Moderately Heavy
Difficulty: Easy
USGS Map(s): Finger Mesa; Pole Mtn.
Recommended Season: Summer & Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles, to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Rio Grande Reservoir/Upper Rio Grande Road), then approximately 16.5 miles on Road #520 to the Lost Trail Creek Trailhead. Hike approximately 1.75 miles up Lost Trail Creek Trail #821 to the intersection of Trail #821 and West Lost Trail Creek Trail #822. Trail junction is signed.

Attractions & Considerations: Good camping places are not uncommon along this trail. Beautiful views of Pole Mountain, and vast panoramic views are possible once a hiker begins approaching the Continental Divide. This trail provides the shortest access to Cataract Lake from the Rio Grande River Drainage. With a watchful eye, one can sometimes see bighorn sheep along the rugged ridges of Pole Mountain. Good fishing is possible in the lower 4 miles of West Lost Trail Creek. Cattle graze the lower portions of the West Lost Trail drainage, while domestic sheep can be seen grazing in the areas along the Continental Divide.

Narrative: The trail begins at the confluence of West Lost Trail Creek and Lost Trail Creek. It travels at a gradual climb, paralleling the creek bottom for about 4 miles. The trail then enters a rather open patchy stand of spruce timber as it climbs toward the head of the West Lost Trail Creek drainage. A gradual climb of about one mile in distance brings you to the Continental Divide and access to Cataract Lake. The trail is well-defined until about 1/2 mile before reaching the Continental Divide. Rock cairns, trail post markers, and stock boundary signs help mark the travel route near the Divide. The junctions with Lost Trail Creek Trail, Cataract Lake Trail, and the La Garita Stock Driveway toward Pole Creek are not well signed.

West Ute Creek Trail #825
Trail Beginning: At the junction with the main Ute Trail #819, about 1/4 mile south of Black Lake at 10,800 feet elevation.
Trail Ending: At the junction with the Continental Divide Trail #813, near the mouth of West Ute Lake at 11,800 feet elevation.
Length: 4.8 mi. (7.7 km)
Use: Moderately Heavy
Difficulty: Easy
USGS Map(s): Rio Grande Pyramid
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Upper Rio Grande River Road), then approximately 16 miles to the Ute Creek Trailhead. Hike up the main Ute Creek Trail #819 to about 1/4 mile past black Lake. Wesl Ute Trail #825 is signed and easily recognizable.

Attractions & Considerations: West Ute Trail #825 is the main access route to West Ute Lake. The trail is easy to hike through the open grassy parks and meadows along West Ute Creek. Camping areas are not hard to find along this trail. Most hikers seem to camp near West Ute Lake or about 1/2 mile below the Lake. West Ute Creek and West Ute lake both provide good fishing. Scenery is excellent and chances of seeing elk are good to excellent. Timberline is at the mouth of West Ute Lake. Two stream crossings are made along the trail route. You may experience some high water in early June but otherwise will have little problems making creek crossings.

Narrative: The West Ute Creek Trail is well-defined and easy to follow. The l-mile long section of this trail immediately below West Ute Lake was reconstructed in 1981. The trail begins at a gradual grade up the open West Ute Creek bottom for about a 4-mile distance. The trail will then begin a steady steep climb through the old-growth spruce fir below West Ute Lake. As the trail emerges from the timber, it joins the Continental Divide Trail at the mouth of the Lake.

Ute Creek Trail #819
Trail Beginning: At Ute Creek Trailhead near the west end of Rio Grande Reservoir at an elevation of 9,600 feet.
Trail Ending: At the junction with the Continental Divide Trail #813 near the lower end of Twin Ute Lakes at an elevation of 11,800 feet.
Length: 12.1 miles. (19.4 km)
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Easy
USGS Map(s): Rio Grande Pyramid
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall

Access: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Upper Rio Grande River Road). Then approximately 16 miles to the Ute Creek Trailhead. Ute Creek Trail #819 begins on the south bank of the Rio Grande River. If crossing of the Rio Grande River appears hazardous, go to the nearby Ski Hi Ranch and ask about using their foot bridge to cross the Rio Grande River. There is a small fee charged to use the bridge.

Attractions & Considerations: Ute Creek Trail #819 is the major access route into the vast Ute Basin Area. Four major fishable lakes sit below the Continental Divide in the beautiful basin. The Ute Trail is a popular route with Weminuche Wilderness visitors. Many trail travel options are available once the hiker reaches the open basin area above Black Lake. Fishing is rated good to excellent in the creeks and lakes of the Ute Drainage. Camera clicking is common along this trail. Inspiring views of "The Window" and "The Rio Grande Pyramid" will long be remembered by trail users. The best camping areas along this trail are from Black Lake to just below Twin Ute Lakes. Hikers using the trail in June can expect some high water crossings on most streams.

Narrative: The main Ute Creek Trail begins with a difficult crossing of the Rio Grande River for those who choose not to utilize the Ski Hi Ranch foot bridge. Early summer crossings of the river at the trailhead should not be attempted. After the river crossing, the trail climbs at a gentle grade along the east-facing slope of Ute Creek. Approximately 2 miles from the trailhead, the trail is carved into a short 1/4 mile segment of cliff-like topography and then begins to closely parallel Ute Creek for about a mile. The trail will then turn gradually away from the immediate creek bottom and start a steep ascent toward Black Lake. Several switchbacks must be negotiated during the climb. Immediately after passing the shore of Black Lake, the trail will break out in the vast open meadow area at the confluence of East, West, and Middle Ute Creeks. The final segment of this trail involves crossing of three small tributaries at the headwater area of Middle Ute Creek. Shortly after the third crossing, the trail makes a short climb to its junction with the Continental Divide Trail at Twin Ute Lakes. The trail is well-defined and easy to follow for its entire length.

Move on to Trail Finder: Rio Grande National Forest

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