San Juan National Forest

Trails of the Weminuche Wilderness (for more information: [970] 264-2268 )

Poison Park Trailhead

Travel west on U.S. Hwy. 160 to Piedra Road (FDR 631). Turn north and travel approximately 22 miles on Piedra Road, then right on Williams Lake Road (FDR 640). Proceed 3.5 miles, and then turn left on FDR 644. Go three miles to the trailhead at road's end.

Weminuche Trail (592)

Starting Elevation: 9,000’
Ending Elevation: 10,250’
Trail length one way: approximately 11 miles to junction with Snowslide Trail (653)
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’ maps: Granite Lake and Weminuche Pass

The Weminuche Trail provides a jumping off point for many other trails and destinations. The Weminuche Trail itself travels high above Weminuche Creek, passes the junction to Granite Lake and eventually ties into the Snowslide Trail (653) on the Columbine Ranger District. 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. Only after passing these trail junctions do you finally enter the wilderness. This trail is used heavily by stock so please yield to passing parties.

Map of the Weminuche Trail

Cimmarrona Trailhead

Travel west on U.S. Hwy. 160 to Piedra Road (FDR 631). Turn north and travel approximately 22 miles on Piedra Road , then right on Williams Lake Road (FDR 640). At 4.1 miles, the trailhead is on the left side of the road just beyond the entrance to Cimarrona Campground.

Cimarrona Trail (586)

Starting Elevation: 8,400’
Ending Elevation: 11’200’ at Squaw Pass
Trail length one way: approximately 8 miles from trailhead to Continental Divide at Squaw Pass
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’ maps: Cimarrona Peak

Just past the entrance to the Cimarrona Campground you will see the trailhead on the left. There is very little parking near the trailhead so please be considerate and park efficiently. The first two miles of this trail are relatively easy winding through the spruce/fir forest on the edge of the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail then begins to climb fairly steeply gaining approximately 3,000 feet in just six miles. On the northeast side of Cimarrona Peak you will pass the Hossick Creek Trail (585) junction before climbing up to the Continental Divide at Squaw Pass. Camping areas along the trail are very few so plan accordingly.

Map of the Cimarrona Trail

Williams Creek Trailhead

Travel west on U.S. Hwy. 160 to Piedra Road (FDR 631). Turn north and travel approximately 22 miles on Piedra Road , then right on Williams Lake Road (FDR 640). The trailhead is at the end of Williams Lake Road .

Williams Creek Trail (587)

Starting Elevation: 8,400’
Ending Eleveation: 11,900’ at Continental Divide
Trail length one way: 10.1 miles to the Continental Divide
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’maps: Cimarrona Peak and Little Squaw Creek

This trail ascends 3,400 feet from the trailhead to the Continental Divide. A couple of stream crossings, which may be difficult during high water, and three fairly steep sections are along the way. At mile 2.5, the Indian Creek Trail (588) goes east along Indian Creek to Palisade Meadows and the Continental Divide. At mile 7.5, the Williams Lake Trail (664) climbs to Williams Lake and the Continental Divide.

Map of the Williams Creek Trail

Middle Fork Trailhead

Travel west on U.S. Hwy. 160 to Piedra Road (FDR 631). Turn north and travel approximately 17.8 miles on Piedra Road, then right on Middle Fork Road (FDR 636). Follow Middle Fork Rd. to its end at the primitive Middle Fork Hunter Camp and Trailhead.

Middle Fork Trail (589)

Starting Elevation: 8,400’
Ending Elevation: 12,100’ at Continental Divide
Trail length one way: 10.2 miles to Continental Divide
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’ maps: Cimarrona Peak and Palomino Mountain

This trail travels past Window Lake and Monument Lake up and over Palomino Mountain to the Continental Divide Trail. The crossing of the Middle Fork can be difficult during high water. The trail is steep and offers little camping along the way.

Map of the Middle Fork Trail

Fourmile Trailhead

Turn north on Lewis Street , then immediately left on Fifth Street (which becomes Fourmile Road ). Follow Fourmile Rd. ( County Rd. 400/FDR 645) for approximately 13 miles. The trailhead is at the end of the road.

Fourmile Trail (569)

Starting Elevation: 9,050’
Ending Elevation: 11,200’ at Turkey Creek Lake
Trail length one way: approximately 8 miles to junction with Turkey Creek Trail (580)
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’ maps: Pagosa Peak

At approximately 3.5 miles from the trailhead, Fourmile Falls is one of the more popular destinations on the Pagosa Ranger District. On a nice summer day this first section of trail may be very crowded. However, if you venture past the second falls the trail becomes more rugged and you begin to leave the crowds behind. Due to the steepness and deteriorating condition of the trail between the waterfall and the junction with the Anderson Trail, this section is not recommended for stock users. The trail climbs above the falls, past Turkey Creek Lake and joins the Turkey Creek Trail at approximately mile 8.

Map of the Fourmile Trail

Anderson Trail (579)

Starting Elevation: 9,050’
Ending Elevation: 10,800’
Trail length one way: 9.3 miles to junction with Fourmile Trail (569)
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’ maps: Pagosa Peak

The Anderson Trail climbs up out of the Fourmile Creek drainage, and works its way into the drainage coming off the east/southeast side of Pagosa Peak . The trail travels to near the base of the impressive east/southeast face of Pagosa Peak then turns north and switchbacks steeply up the east shoulder of the mountain gaining a nice saddle before dropping down into the upper Falls Creek drainage. The trail continues on, with less effort to Fourmile Lake and then on to the junction with Fourmile Trail (569) at approximately 9.3 miles.

Map of the Anderson Trail

Fourmile Loop

Starting Elevation: 9,050’
Trail length – entire loop: approximately 14 miles
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’ maps: Pagosa Peak

This fourteen mile loop uses the Anderson (579) and Fourmile (569) trails (see descriptions above).

Map of Fourmile Loop

Turkey Creek Trailhead

Go northeast on U.S. Hwy. 160 for 7.3 miles, then left on Jackson Mountain Road (FDR 037). The trailhead is four miles in at the road's end.

Turkey Creek Trail (580)

Starting Elevation: 8,240’
Ending Elevation: 11,400’ at Piedra Pass
Trail length one way: 20 miles to Continental Divide
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’ maps: Saddle Mountain , Pagosa Peak , Palomino Mountain

Twenty miles to the Continental Divide at Piedra Pass , this moderately difficult trail crosses several streams and some steep grades. The Turkey Creek Trail, climbs above timberline at about 14 miles to meet the Continental Divide Trail at Piedra Pass. The route that includes the Turkey Creek Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the West Fork Trail (561) is sometimes called the Rainbow Trail.

Map of Turkey Creek Trail

West Fork Trailhead

Travel northeast on U.S. Hwy. 160 for 15 miles then turn left on West Fork Road (FDR 684). Continue past Wolf Creek and Wolf Creek Campgrounds and across the bridge over the West Fork San Juan River. Continue northwest to the trailhead.

West Fork Trail (561)

Starting Elevation: 8,300’
Ending Elevation: 11,400’ at Piedra Pass
Trail length one way: 11.6 miles to Continental Divide at Piedra Pass
Maps: SJNF map and USGS 7.5’ maps: Saddle Mountain , South River Peak , Palomino Mountain

This trail is 11.6 miles in length from West Fork Trailhead to the Continental Divide Trail at Piedra Pass. The first mile of trail is through private property, so please stay on the trail. At mile 4.5, there is a junction with the Beaver Creek Trail (560). The Beaver Creek Trail has been closed to protect public health and safety in several steep sections where the trail tread has deteriorated to the point of not allowing for safe foot or livestock traffic. Closure begins from the top of the first set of switchbacks to Beaver Meadows. Continuing on the West Fork Trail, the area between the junction with the Beaver Creek Trail and the next crossing of the West Fork of the San Juan is closed to campfires. Camping is permitted only in existing sites at least 100 feet from water. At mile 6, the trail begins to climb steeply. There are several stream crossings before reaching the Continental Divide Trail at Piedra Pass.

Map of West Fork Trail

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USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest
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Last modified August 16, 2006