Uncompahgre National Forest

This trail climbs a pass just north of Whipple Mountain, giving spectacular views back into the west fork of Deep Creek and also to the LaSalle Mountains in Utah. It passes through the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness. The elevation gain from the west access is 1,000 feet, while the elevation gain from the east access near Deep Creek is 2,900 feet. Limited campsites are available, mostly on the east side of the pass.

From the western trailhead parking area, the trail climbs gradually east through open aspen groves. The trail gains elevation with several short sets of switchbacks. Spectacular views of the Wilsons, and LaSalles in Utah make for a scenic climb. After about 3/4 mile, the trail climbs into steep conifer forest and eventually to a small saddle and the wilderness boundary. The saddle sits just north of Whipple Mountain. From there the trail drops into the West Fork of Deep Creek, with great views of Ruffner Mountain. The trail continues to switchback down into thick timber near avalanche slide paths to the north. Eventually the trail drops into a large meadow where it joins the Deep Creek Trail (#418). The Deep Creek Trail then follows Deep Creek down to a stream crossing and the wilderness boundary. A gentle descent down the drainage leads to a junction with the Iron Mountain Road. Follow the road uphill to your left for a short distance to where the Deep Creek trail drops down off the road into the drainage and continues on its way towards Telluride and a trailhead off Last Dollar road.

Access: Take Last Dollar Road #638 from Hwy. 145 near Society Turn, 3 miles outside of Telluride. Follow it for several miles to the last switchback before the top of Last Dollar Pass. Look for the trailhead sign and parking area on your right.