 | | 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. |
| |  | | | Facilities: Facilities can be found at Thirty Mile Campground close to Weminuche Creek Trail. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Weminuche Creek Trail. Best Time To Visit: Weminuche Creek Trail is open from June through October. Fees: There are no fees to hike this trail. Accessibility: This trail is not handicap accessible. Rules: No mechanical devices are allowed in a Wilderness Area. This area is with the boundaries of a National Forest. There are a variety of rules to consider when visiting a National Forest. Please contact the local Forest Ranger for more specific information.Horse and pack stock are not allowed in the campground except to follow the road to the trailhead.Directions: To get to Weminuche Creek Trail from: Ouray Drive north on US-550, turn right on US-50. Turn right again on CO State Highway 149, travel to Creede. From Creede, drive southwest on Highway 149 for about 20 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Development Road 520 (Upper Rio Grande River Road). Continue approximately 10 mile to Thirty Mile Campground. The trail leaves the campground about 100 yards south of the amphitheater area. The Trail is signed on the West Campground Loop Road.Pagosa Springs drive north on US-160, turn left on CO State Highway 149, travel to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Development Road 520. Continue 10 miles to Thirty Mile Campground. The trail leaves the campground about 100 yard south of the amphitheater area. The trail is signed on the West Campground Loop Road. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Rio Grande National Forest-Divide Ranger Station | | 13308 West US Highway 160 | | P.O. Box 40 | | Del Norte, Colorado 81132 |
| | | Phone | | General: (719) 657-3321 | | TTY: (719) 657-6038 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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