| Tewksberry Trail makes a gentle ascent over scenic Meadow Pass between Cattle Mountain and Demijohn Peak. Throughout the trail, spruce, Douglas fir and aspen stands shade the pathway. Interspersed with the trees are open grassy meadows. For the first 2 miles, Tewksberry Creek meanders near and occasionally crosses the trail.Several groups of log cabins and oxen sheds dating back to the 1880's can be explored. These old buildings mark the sites of oxen logging operations for railroad ties laid down between Del Norte and Wagon Wheel Gap.At the first building site the trail splits. The right hand trail heads west and is part of an equestrian trail leading to private land. Follow the left trail branch that continues south. In about 1/2 mile, the trail splits again. Both trails continue southward and become one trail again near the top of Meadow Pass. After about a mile, the left or eastern most trail begins a steeper, rockier climb toward the pass.Although this route is somewhat shorter, the right hand trail is gentler. It is also wider and smoother, having been used as a stock driveway. Along the trail, be sure to keep an eye out for aspen tree engravings carved by sheepherders of the 1920's. This trail is not used excessively by hikers which gives the opportunity for solitude.This trail measures five miles one-way, and is located within the Rio Grande National Forest. This trail is rated as "moderate" and it receives "moderate" usage. |
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