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Uncompahgre National Forest - Lone Cone Trail (USFS #426)
Lone Cone Trail Practicalities
Trail Beginning: Elevation 9,400' at Woods Lake Campground. (T42N, R11W, Sec 22). Trail Ending: Elevation 9,200' at trail end near Lone Cone Guard Station off of Road #611. (T42N, R12W, Sec 23). Length: 10.5 miles or 18 kms Mode of Travel: Hiking, horse, motorized/mechanized travel prohibited in designated wilderness areas. Recommended Season: Late May-November. Winter use not recommended due to difficulty of access. Use: Light USGS Maps: Little Cone, Beaver Park, Dolores Peak, and Groundhog Mtn.
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This new trail leads from Woods Lake to Road #611 near the Lone Cone Guard Station in Beaver Park. Some good campsites are available with intermittent water and good shelter.
The trail leaves the west end of Woods Lake Campground along the west side of Fall Creek and, after reaching the lake, climbs a ridge just to the west. The trail follows the ridge through aspen woods to an old irrigation ditch, them along the old ditch for approximately 1/2 mile. The trail crosses an old ditch and climbs to the Hughes Ditch and follows it south for 1/2 mile then crosses it. From the Hughes Ditch crossing, the trail begins a moderate climb up through aspen-covered benches. Passing occasional small meadows and crossing a few small creeks, the trail works its way up toward higher ground and views of the Wilson Peaks and El Diente. As it climbs higher, it traverses several steep open meadows and talus fields. Eventually it switchbacks up through steeper conifer forest to a small pass between Flat Top Mountain and the Dolores Peaks. From the pass the trail ascends to the south, following a ridge for about 1/2 mile. Then the trail drops off the ridge, and contours through several small meadows and talus fields. Then it reenters the conifer forest next to a small lake.
Spectacular views of the Dolores Peaks above the trail to the west are visible during this whole stretch. Then the trail crosses the outlet of the lake and descends through spruce/fir forest for 1/4 mile and then turns west and descends a timbered ridge. The trail then leaves the ridge and continues descending through scattered aspen groves and open meadows to an old road. The trail follows the road for 3/4 mile down to a large meadow with a great view of the Lone Cone. Follow the trail marker posts through the meadow to where the trail crosses East Beaver Creek. From here, the trail generally follows the south of East Beaver Creek for 2 miles to a gate in a small meadow. Pass through the gate (PLEASE CLOSE THE GATE) and follow a road for 1/2 mile. The trail leaves the road and winds through aspens to an irrigation ditch. Cross the ditch, pass through another gate and descend to Beaver Park Road #611 near the Lone Cone Guard Station.
Access: Take Fall Creek Road (#618) off Highway 145 about 3-4 miles west of Placerville. Go 8 miles to a junction with the Beaver Park Road. Continue straight on Woods Lake Road to a sign for the Woods Lake Trail. Go right across the stream to the west side of the campground to find the trailhead.

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