| The Weminuche Trail provides quick and easy access to the Continental Divide. From Thirty Mile Campground, the trail allows a hiker to be at Weminuche Pass after an easy 4 hour trip. Shortly after crossing Weminuche Creek Bridge, many good camping areas are available near the trail. Most hikers camp at the Weminuche Pass area. Many pleasant camping sites are available at the pass.Fishermen will have easy access from the trail to Weminuche Creek, after about a 1 to 1.5 hour walk from the trailhead. The mile of Weminuche Creek nearest the Rio Grande reservoir is rugged, cliff-like terrain that is nearly impossible to fish. The headwater area of the creek is an open, broad valley that is easily fishable. At 10,600 feet, Weminuche Pass is the lowest point in the Continental Divide in the Weminuche Wilderness. Hikers often use Weminuche Trail as the first day hike on a longer trip to the Rio Grande Pyramid and "Window" areas along the Continental Divide.The trail is well defined and easy to follow. The trail begins at a gradual steady climb away from Thirty Mile Campground and travels through mixed aspen and spruce tree stands above the Rio Grande Reservoir. After 1 1/2 miles, 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 small grassy parks before reaching the Weminuche Pass Area. The upper 3 mile segment is not difficult as it makes a fairly gradual climb to the pass.This trail measures 5.5 miles one-way, and is rated as "easy". It receives "moderate-heavy" usage. The beginning elevation is 9,400 feet and the ending elevation is 10,600 feet. |
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