Powderhorn Wilderness

The Powderhorn area was a rich hunting ground for the Ute Indians. Now this high plateau is the largest relatively flat expanse of alpine tundra in the lower 48 states - and the heart of the Powderhorn Wilderness. This land offers an oasis of solitude for hikers and fishermen.

Location: 230 miles southwest of Denver; 30 miles south of Gunnison.
Size and Elevation: 60,100 acres; 8,600 to 12,600 feet.
Ecosystem: Spruce/fir forests dominate the lower elevations, mixed with meadows and aspen. Above treeline, vast expanses of alpine tundra take over.
Features: Broad expanses of rolling, open tundra with long vistas; glacier carved cirques and lakes; deep canyons with perennial streams.
Activities: Hiking, Fishing.

The Land and Its Life

Geologically, the plateau was formed by Tertiary volcanic deposits comprised of both lava flows and ash flows (tuff). The deposits are believed to be 5,000 ft thick in some areas. Alpine glaciation shaped the landscape by creating cirque basins, glacial tarns, moraine deposits and lakes, U-shaped valleys, and rock glaciers.

Elevation ranges from 8,600 ft. in the north up to 12,600 ft. in the south. Vegetation change follows the elevation. At the lowest elevations, Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir are mixed with sagebrush and meadows. Aspen are dominant between 9,500 ft. and 10,500 feet, with Englemann spruce and subalpine fir extending up to beeline. Above 12,000 ft., low-growing plants such as moss campion, forget-me-not, Jacob's ladder and kobresia make up the alpine tundra.

Ptarmigan, a high elevation grouse which changes from brown plumage in the summer to white plumage in the winter, are abundant on the tundra. Pika, marmots, and weasels scramble over talus slopes, and the pine marten is a common predator in forested areas.

The Powderhorn also supports populations of beaver, coyote, bobcat, mountain lion, bear, mule deer, and elk Bighorn sheep may be seen in the eastern portions of the area and there may be a chance of seeing a moose wandering north from the Spring Creek Pass herd. The lakes and streams support brook and rainbow trout.

Several cabins were built in the early 1900's in the Powderhorn. They served primarily as line camps in support of cattle and sheep ranching operations. The remnants of these cabins can be seen throughout the area.

Hiking

Hikers can access the Powderhorn from just about every direction. The interconnecting system of trails offers plenty of out and back approaches to the heart of the wilderness and several possibilities for point-to-point treks across broad stretches.

The Powderhorn Lakes Trailhead is the start of the Powderhorn Lakes Trail, on the north side of the wilderness. This trail heads south to the Powderhorn Lakes. This trail is the most heavily used part of the wilderness, with a steady stream of hikers and anglers during the summer. It can connect with the Middle Fork Trail and an exit via Ten Mile Springs Road.

Access: Follow Highway 149 about 21 miles south from Highway 50 to the Indian Creek Road. Follow this road south about 10 miles (two wheel drive (2WD), except in very wet weather) to the trailhead.

The East Fork Trail and the Middle Fork Trail are off the Ten MileSprings Road. These trails respectively follow the east and middle forks of Powderhorn Creek deep into the center of the wilderness. For a nice point-to-point backpack, you can follow the East Fork trail to the Powderhorn Park trail and exit in the southeast portion of the wilderness.

Access: Follow Highway 149 about 17 miles south of Highway 50 to the Cebolla Creek Road (County Rd. 27). Turn left and proceed 1 mile south to the old Powderhorn Store. Turn right and go 1/4 mile to the Ten Mile Springs Road. Turn left and follow the road south about 10 miles to the trailhead (generally 2WD but high clearance or 4WD needed near the end).

The Powderhorn Park Trailhead leads to the Powderhorn, Park Trail and the North Calf Creek Trail. If you have the time and the stamina, you could backpack across the southern half of the wilderness from Powderhorn Park, exiting at Devils Creek. If you are interested, verify locally that this entire stretch of trail has been completed.

Access: From Highway 50, go south about 17 miles on Highway 149 to the Cebolla Creek Road (2WD). Follow road south for about 19 miles to the parking area (on your left) for the Powderhorn Park Trail. From there, walk about 75 yards up the road and through the gate (to your right) on private land (be sure to close it behind you). This path will lead across the creek and to the base of a hill where you will veer left to get on the trail.

The Canyon Infierno Trail and the Calf Creek Plateau Trail are accessed from the Brush Creek Trailhead or the Deer Lakes Campground. The Canyon Infierno ends up ant Devils Lake, coming from the south.. Calf Creek Plateau trail connects with the North Calf Creek and Powderhorn Park trails.

Access: These trails are located 24 and 27 miles south of the Powderhorn Store, respectively, along the Cebolla Creek Road The Deer Lakes Campground provides more parking space.

The DeviI's Creek Trail accesses the western portion of the Powderhorn, heading for Devils Lake. It has been under construction; check locally for its status.

Access: The access road leaves Highway 149 about 8 miles north of Lake City, crosses a bridge over the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and proceeds about half a mile to the trailhead. This trail leads up the Devil's Creek drainage to Devil's Lake.

Fishing

The lakes and stream throughout the Powderhorn support brook and rainbow trout. Powderhorn Lakes are the most popular fishing spot, accessed from the north via the Powderhorn Lakes trail. Popularity, of course, does not mean best, either in catch or solitude. You will be doing yourself, others, and most importantly the land, a favor by trying more secluded lakes and streams.