middle fork piedra river trail

The hike is an easy one-mile roundtrip, out-and-back on Piedra Falls Trail #671. Join us for special events the whole family can enjoy on select weekends throughout the winter. Trail is steep and offers little camping along the way. Both routes end at the boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness. Do not attempt to travel this road in wet weather. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail follows the river on the opposite side of the river from the Middle Fork Road (Forest Road 56). ... and a ride to the Middle Fork trailhead as an option. Bicycles are not permitted in wilderness areas. The Hike: Ten miles in length from Middle Fork Trailhead over Palomino Mountain to the Continental Divide Trail. Horseback Riding. They appear high on the ridge to the right (east) and appear to be a collection of volcanic ridges, spires, and one super thin needle of almost impossible height. Wildlife viewing, whitewater rafting, fishing, backpacking, bird watching, wildflowers and ample photography opportunities are to be found along this trail. The canyon is only accessible on … If you continue on for another mile you will come to the “First Bridge” which spans Williams Creek. The last half of the trail is at 12,000 feet, so snowmelt is late. Length: 4.3 mi • Est. Another ½ mile down the trail will take you over a small hill and then bring you back down to the river at the corner that sends the river west. This is the correct Piedra River Trailhead Parking area. The crossing of the Middle Fork can be difficult during high water. Shiloh Camp Camp, Louisiana, United States; Hillsdale State Park Crappie … Another mile down trail will bring you to a trail junction for the Piedra Stock trail which goes north and south and you will be able to see the “2nd Bridge” crossing the Piedra on your left (South). It is a good idea to leave a car or have someone meet you at one end or the other. The trail journeys through a great mix of river canyon, meadows, and forest. This log served as a perfect bridge. As you headed from the upper Piedra bridge toward Williams Creek you saw a Y in the road at the top of the hill. The first 3.0 miles is gravel road and the rest is dirt that is extremely slick when wet. 93271. Location: Northeast of Durango, near Pagosa Springs. This is an excellent trail any time of the year offering something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Begins and ends in Durango Region. It is about 1 mile and takes about 15-30 minutes each way. Follow for 12-miles to the road’s end just over the bridge. The Middle Fork of the Salmon Trail parallels the river from Boundary Creek (RM 0) to the Big Creek Bridge (RM 77.8). By combining three or more of these trails with the CDT, you can make an excellent backpacking loop 20 to 30 miles long. Descending off the ridge in a nearly fall-line descent, this trail gets you to the Middle Fork Teanaway River quickly The soil is loose and grippy and makes for a fun, steep decent. Short Trail Summary: The eastern terminus of the Piedra River Trail overlooks rafters, ice caves and otherwise grand landscape and will be busier in the summer season. Snowshoeing. As you go down you may notice climber’s pitons on the walls and may encounter climbers during the summer months. Had a lovely lunch break just beyond the middle fork bridge, and another day did the Ice Caves hike. However, it was our 3rd hike of that day and too much at that point in the heat. From the trailhead, the first 1.2 miles crosses along private property, so stay on the trail (it is well marked). From the Sportsman’s Campground Store, turn right on to Middle Fork Road, FS 640 and follow this road for two miles to East Toner Road. By combining three or more of these trails with the CDT, you can make an excellent backpacking loop 20 to 30 miles long. Indian Creek Trail . Even the US Forest Service flyer says “16.2 miles, plus an additional 300 yards”. If you … Get Here. Side canyon trails join the main system in many spots, and at times there are trails on both sides of the Middle Fork. Then if Granite Creek is not fordable, continue upstream until you come to the next trail junction. Click on the PDF files attached below for detailed trail notes and trail map that you can download and print out. Follow the river via First Fork Road, approximately ten miles to the end of the road where the trailhead is. First Fork Trailhead Directions: Drive West on Hwy 160 for 22-miles. Walk along the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery to get to the waterfall. Just one thing: My GMC odometer says it is about 16.3 miles to the parking area. Piedra River First Fork Trail #538. The first mile of trail is through private property, so please stay on the trail. Indian Creek Trail Trail on Williams Creek , Indian Creek , and Middle Fork Piedra River in San Juan National Forest , Rio Grande National Forest , Weminuche Wilderness Get Here At these times, you will have to park at the Hospital Rock Picnic Area and walk less than two miles to the trailhead. They appear high on the ridge to the right (east) and appear to be a collection of volcanic ridges, spires, and one super thin needle of almost impossible height. Access to Middle Fork River Trail is a 278 m popular dirt/gravel road family friendly trail located near Essex Montana. For a longer hike, follow the river for another 8.5 miles. USFS webpage. Trailhead elevation is 8,400 feet. OHV Riding (>50”) Nordic Skiing. Horseback Riding. Any Activity. It then traverses large meadows, which are full of wildflowers in spring and summer. Take the first road to the right, East Toner Road (FS 637), it is 7.5 miles to the end. Turn right on East Toner Road and take it to the end. Middle Fork Piedra River; Middle Fork Purgatoire River; Middle Fork South Arkansas River; Middle Fork Swan River; Middle Mancos River; Navajo River; North Branch Conejos River; North Fork Animas River; North Fork Apishapa River; North Fork Arikaree River ; North Fork Big Thompson River; North Fork Canadian River; North Fork Cimarron River; North Fork Conejos River; North Fork Crystal River; North … Follow the road to its end, about eight miles east, and follow the path upstream to the base of the falls. This short trail is used to get to the Middle Fork Conejos River Trail, North Fork Conejos River Trail, and El Rito Azul Trail - all of which connect you to the Continental Divide Trail. Just before crossing the river, there is a parking area on the right-hand side of the road. Prominent Features: Weminuche Wilderness, San Juan National Forest, Rio Grande National Forest, Continental Divide, Piedra Peak, Palomino Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Toner Mountain, Red Mountain, Monument Lake, Window Lake, East and Middle Forks Piedra River, Red Mountain Creek, East and Middle Trout Creek, Lean Creek, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Turkey Creek Trail, West … Mountain Travel Guide webpage. Piedra River Middle Fork Trail #589. … This is a nice open meadow area and serves as a great 3-4 mile RT hike if you turn back here. See chapter "V Piedra River" in Falcon Guides book Hiking Colorado. Leave the Piedra Rd and continue on Middle … Middle Fork Trail Trail on Monument Lake, Window Lake, Lean Creek, and Middle Fork Piedra River in Rio Grande NF, San Juan NF, Weminuche Wilderness, Rocky Mountains in Hinsdale Co, Mineral Co, CO 0 • … The Piedra River (also known as El Rio De La Piedra Parada, Pedra, Rio, and Rio Piedre) is a river in the U.S. state of Colorado.It drains parts of Archuleta, Hinsdale, and Mineral counties along a mainstem length of about 40 miles (64 km). Colorado Trail Explorer. 17.6 : Pine-Piedra Trail #524. Do not attempt to travel this road in wet weather. Walk up the river to a headgate where the trail begins. Mountain Travel Guide webpage. 10.2 : Piedra River Trail #596. Hopefully the piedra won’t have the same fate. Had a lovely lunch break just beyond the middle fork bridge, and another day did the Ice Caves hike. Piedra River Trail # 596 Map:(click here), Elevation Stats: North to South – Altitude Loss (577 ft) (7,710 to 7,133) with (Ascent 1,987ft and 2,564 Descent.). Continuing another ½ mile past the 2. bridge will take you up hill to a nice vantage point where there is also a trail leading North to Weminuche Creek. Picnicking SHOW. 5/31/20, North to South – Altitude Loss (577 ft) (7,710 to 7,133) with (Ascent 1,987ft and 2,564 Descent. Mountain Travel Guide webpage. Prominent Features: Weminuche Wilderness, San Juan National Forest, Rio Grande National Forest, Continental Divide, Cimarrona Peak, Williams Reservoir, Palisade Lakes, Middle Fork Piedra River, Williams Creek, Hossick Creek, Cimarrona Creek, Indian Creek, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Middle Fork Trail, Indian Creek Trail, Palisade Meadows Trail, Williams Creek Trail, Squaw Creek Trail, … Turn right at the Hospital Rock Picnic Area toward Buckeye Flat Campground. Snowshoeing. ATV Riding. Headed north on a partially hard-surfaced road north from Pagosa Springs, going past the town airport and continuing on northward further along the subalpine valley, ultimately dropping down along an escarpment fairly close to the Piedra River. Like. Take the first road to the right, East Toner Rd (FS 637), and drive that for 7.5-miles to the parking lot at the end of the road. The trail passes several cool box canyons to end at the bridge on the First Fork of the Piedra Road. Details . If continuing on to do the entire river trail, stay right and do not cross that bridge. Ivan, of the forest service, presented a map of the Colorado Roadless Area (CRA) as it relates to the Piedra Focus Area of the working group. Forest Road 56 and the trail connect in four places--at the main Middle Fork Trailhead, at the Dingford Creek Trailhead, near Goldmyer Hot Springs, and at the upper trailhead near Dutch Miller Gap. Turn right on to Middle Fork Road, FS 640 and follow this road for two miles to East Toner Road. Any Activity. Further Destinations: From the trailhead, Redwood Meadow can be reached in about 13 miles and Bearpaw Meadow in about 14 miles. Piedra River Trail: For sheer cliffs, rushing rivers, and great fly fishing, the Piedra River Trail is a easy to moderate hike with gorgeous box canyons. MaxTrails.com webpage. Mountain Travel Guide webpage. You will pass 3 cabins and then fork to the right. Short Trail Summary: The eastern terminus of the Piedra River Trail overlooks rafters, ice caves and otherwise grand landscape and will be busier in the summer season. This short trail is used to get to the Middle Fork Conejos River Trail, North Fork Conejos River Trail, and El Rito Azul Trail - all of which connect you to the Continental Divide Trail. Do not attempt to travel this road in wet weather. Middle Fork of the Salmon River Trail - Overview Info. Another good picnic option is the Piedra River Picnic area just 1/4 mile away from the Piedra River trailhead parking lot. Hiked the entire trail yesterday and there are two trees across the Piedra Trail, below the junction with the Stock Trail. Mountain Travel Guide webpage. Ten miles of river are only accessible by hiking, and this is one fishing trip that is definitely worth the hike! Another good picnic option is the Piedra River Picnic area just 1/4 mile away from the Piedra River trailhead parking lot. 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 and camping is permitted only in existing sites at least … If you only go 16 miles you will see parking pull-offs to the left, cliffs in view, scanty trails … but these are rock climbing areas, and not the Piedra River Trailhead itself. Walk up the river to a head gate where the trail begins. Trail is steep and offers little camping along the way. Alerts & … MaxTrails.com webpage. Second Box Canyon: This canyon, cut by the Piedra River, showcases layers of rock from the Precambrian geologic time period. Another good picnic option is the Piedra River Picnic area just 1/4 mile away from the Piedra River trailhead parking lot. Ten miles in length from Middle Fork Trailhead over Palomino Mountain to the Continental Divide Trail. Road is gravel. See chapter "V Piedra River" in Falcon Guides book Hiking Colorado. The Middle Fork Needles (Piedra River) are most visible while driving up to Williams Creek Reservoir. The western terminus is more difficult to reach, thus quieter. USFS webpage. Walk up the river to a headgate where the trail begins. Take the first road to the right, the East Toner Road (#637), and follow it to the end. MIDDLE FORK TRAIL (#589) A steep hike at high elevation with views of Piedra river. Walk along the river to the waterfall. Most down and back hikers do not go beyond the hill. Biking. The ride is fairly flat with a few slight uphill grades. We walked this trail with our dog & although narrow & busy towards the start & end of the trail, the open meadows and various access points to the river were fab for him. In winter the upper trails are still accessible but snowshoes or cleats are recommended due to packed Ice conditions. Unfortunately, this has become increasingly overgrown over the years and several of the old bridges have been washed out leaving deep gullies, one of which is quite difficult to cross. Had a lovely lunch break just beyond the middle fork bridge, and another day did the Ice Caves hike. Water Activities SHOW. Follow for 12-miles to the road’s end. From here, the trail veers away from the river somewhat, and eventually crosses a bridge over a stream flowing into the river. A discussion of various proposals for protection followed. These needles are also visible while driving Piedra Road toward the Piedra Gorge climbing areas. Wildlife viewing, whitewater rafting, fishing, backpacking, bird watching, wildflowers and ample photographic opportunities are to be found along this trail. ATV Riding. Hiking. Another good picnic option is the Piedra River Picnic area just 1/4 mile away from the Piedra River trailhead parking lot. The trail eventually edges closer to the river, then leads to a metal span bridge. The hike is an easy one-mile roundtrip, out-and-back on … EASY MODERATE DIFFICULT 15. Items of Caution: Poison oak is abundant below 6,000 feet elevation - long sleeves and pants are your best protection. Leave the Piedra Road and continue on the Middle Fork Road (#636) for two miles. Facilitator Tami talked about some ideas the group has had to help protect the … These off-the-beaten path hot springs can be accessed several ways, including backpacking or a high-clearance 4WD vehicle during summer and fall when river conditions typically allow for crossing. Middle Fork Trail (589) Piedra River Trail (596) Piedra Stock Drive Trail (583) Quartz Ridge Trail (570) Sand Creek Trail (593) Turkey Creek Trail (580) Weminuche Trail (592) West Fork Trail (561) West Fork Trailhead; Williams Creek Trail (587) Horse Riding & Camping SHOW OHV Riding & Camping SHOW. Directions to the Ice Caves: Follow the directions to the Piedra River Trail to access this trail. Follow the road to its end, about eight miles east, and follow the path upstream to the base of the falls. Directions: Drive North on Piedra Road (CR 600/FS 631) 17.8-miles to the junction at Sportsman’s Campground. From the junction of Route 160 and Piedra Road (a few miles west of the springs in Pagosa Springs) turn north … Most down and back hikers do not go beyond the hill. Expect more people here than on the Middle Fork Trail. These three separate waterways roll south and merge with the Piedra River proper in the Piedra Wilderness. Another mile down trail will bring you to a trail junction for the Piedra Stock trail which goes north and south and you will be able to see the “2, Bridge” crossing the Piedra on your left (South). Trail Conditions  6/15/20: USFS cleared fallen trees off the entire length of the trail, Please share any trail updates in the Comment section below. Summer typically brings scorching temperatures that deter most hikers. yards. Getting There Drive up the Middle Fork … Take Piedra Road to Forest Road 631 and turn right onto Taylor Lane, left on Forest Road 636, and right on Forest Road 637 / East Toner Road. Mixed conifer trees after six miles and giant sequoias at Redwood Meadow. Take the first road to the right, the East Toner Road (#637), and follow it to the end. No trail blockages, at least on our section. 47050 Generals Highway Highest point is 12,000 feet, total ascent is 4,600 feet. Head east on the trail and cross the Middle Fork of Piedra River. If attempting the full length trip be aware that there are several hills in the middle taking you up and around a series of box canyons along the river, so though the total elevation gain from trailhead to trailhead is only about 500 ft. you will end up doing close to 2,000 ft. of gain when traveling from the lower to upper trailhead and even going down, from upper to lower will have a gain near 1000 vertical. Turn north onto First Fork Road (FS 622). Piedra Falls is a unique chute waterfall located an hour’s drive north of Pagosa Springs in the southwest part of the state. Please share any updates, or photos, in the comment section below. Locations: Bridge Campground, First Fork Hunter campground, First Fork Trailhead, Cade Ranch, Capote Campground, Chimney Rock Archeological Area, Deadman Curve, Debs Community Hall, Fourmile Trailhead, Granite Peak Ranch, Kleckner Ranch, La Plata Powerplant, Lower Piedra Campground, Mesa Spring Hunter Campground, Minor Notch Ranch, Navajo Trail Campground, Pagosa Springs District … This ride travels from Sportsmans Supply on Piedra Road to East Fork of the Piedra River near Piedra Falls. Most years at the ½ mile river access a large Ice formation appears from the cliff face right down into the river which is a popular destination. Several trails will come in from the north permitting more lengthy backpacking opportunities, but your route will continue in the river tread, eventually reaching the tight Second Box Canyon where the river grows in width to the westernmost trail terminus. This is a nice open meadow area and serves as a great 3-4 mile RT hike if you turn back here. Follow the river via First Fork Road, approximately ten miles to the end of the road where … Crossing the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River on a bridge constructed by volunteers and the Forest Service, hikers are safely delivered to the other side of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. The Piedra River collects most of the water from Colorado’s largest wilderness area, the Weminuche, running from permanent snowfields in the high mountains through subalpine meadows down into forests of gigantic ponderosa pine. Snowmobiling. Highlights: Panther Creek Falls, fishing in the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River for those who don't mind bush-whacking, wildflowers in the spring, views up the river drainage to the Great Western Divide, access to Redwood Meadow (one of the most remote sequoia groves in the park). Trail was in great shape to sand creek from the upper trailhead. After a strenous hike on the slope between Sugarbowl Dome and River Valley, you can reach Bearpaw Meadow and the High Sierra Trail. Piedra River Trail Trail length one way - about 11 miles The Piedra River Trail is an easy to moderate hike and one of the … The Piedra River watershed, also known as the “Upper Piedra”, is an area known for its “eye catching” scenery. After 1.2 miles, you enter the … 17.6 : Pine-Piedra Trail #524. 11.2-500 : Piedra Stock Drive Trail #583. Located in the Southwestern portion of the state, the Piedra takes it start at the confluence of East, West, and Middle Piedra. Common Wildlife You Might See: Mule deer, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, rattlesnake, and lots of birds. Common Vegetation You Might Notice: Buckthorn, manzanita, black oak, chemise, bear clover for the first six miles. Snowmobiling. No motorized vehicles. Passing through aspen groves – take time to enjoy the scenic view in all directions before descending into the river canyon, walking along sheer cliffs, past overhangs, and under tall trees. Leave the Piedra Road and continue on the Middle Fork Road (#636) for two miles. This trail can be followed to an elevation of 11700 ft or so to reach the base of the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain where you can leave trail and hike to the top. Piedra Trailhead Directions: Drive North on Piedra Road (CR 600/FS 631) 16-miles crossing Piedra River on a bridge and to the parking area immediately after on the west side of the road. The main river then travels southwest and south, mostly within the Piedra Wilderness. Be mindful to not rut this gem out, use good braking modulation to keep the tires rolling but slowing. Piedra Guard Station 780 feet northeast; Middle Fork Piedra River Stream, 1 mile northeast; East Fork Piedra River Stream, 1 mile northeast; Deadman Curve 1 mile south; Explore Your World. Click here to return to … Common Campsites along the Middle Fork Trail Corridor: Panther Creek, about 3.5 miles from the trailhead, is the first place where camping is allowed. Musk thistles are overhanging the trail in the meadows below Williams confluence, above and below trail creek, and the meadow above the stock trail bridge (but not as bad as the lower weminuche meadow at little sand creek…need a crop duster to remediate that section). Trail on Williams Creek, Indian Creek, and Middle Fork Piedra River in San Juan National Forest, Rio Grande National Forest, Weminuche Wilderness. 11.2-500 : Piedra Stock Drive Trail #583. A great hike for all ages. Getting There See map below. Second Box Canyon: This canyon, cut by the Piedra River, showcases layers of rock from the Precambrian geologic time period. Biking. Piedra River: A day’s hike at a moderate altitude (about 7,000 feet) with no long, steep climbs; follow a well-marked trail beside the Piedra. A beautiful riverside trail offering mixed terrain & beautiful mountain views even from its low level. Warming Huts v.2020: An Art & Architecture Competition on Ice . After crossing the bridge, proceed left at the intersection and head upstream to enjoy hiking between the river and overhanging cliffs that ornament this trail. The trail continues above and west of the head gate and river to the falls. Miles indicated in the title and throughout the text use river miles (RM). To get there: Piedra Road North (CR 600 /FS 631) for 17.8 miles; right on Middle Fork Road (FS 636) 5.6 miles to its end. USFS webpage. Begins and ends in Durango Region. Over this hill you will switch back down a steep hill to where the Weminuche meets the Piedra and will cross the last bridge. 10.2 : Piedra River Trail #596. Access the trailhead furthest east. You can do the entire length as a long day hike, or nice overnighter by shuttling a car to the opposite trailhead, or more popular is several short down and back hikes of varying lengths from the upper trail head. You could say it starts higher up in the Forks but for our How to Get to the Trailhead: Continue north on the Generals Highway from the entrance station near the town of Three Rivers. Do not attempt to travel this road in wet weather. The … Walk up the river to a head gate where the trail begins. USFS webpage. Driving Directions Map Take the first road to the right, the East Toner Road (#637), and follow it to the end. The crossing of the Middle Fork can be difficult during high water. USFS webpage. USGS 7.5" Topograhic Map: The Lodgepole map includes the entire Middle Fork trail from the trailhead to Redwood Meadow. The landscape along this trail is quintessential Colorado, but the nature here is spiced with elements of the southwest: Grace’s Warblers abound in the pines, and you may spot the … First use the bridge to cross Eagle Scout Creek. Protect your camera from the mist and watch your footing on the wet trail. Despite its name, Redwood Meadow is home to one of the most remote giant sequoia groves (not redwood trees) reached by trail in the park. 7/26/20: We hiked part of this trail today and it was very pleasant. 1 h 56 m This short trail is used to get to the Middle Fork Conejos River Trail, North Fork Conejos River Trail, and El Rito Azul Trail - all of which connect you to the Continental Divide Trail. Please note that the Buckeye Flat Campground road may be closed in the winter. Colorado Trail Explorer. Caution should be used at falls – overspray can cause rocks to be slippery. and river to the falls. This is an easy trail for young and old alike if you only go the 3.5 miles to the foot bridge across the Piedra. Soon, reach the level of the river bank where the trail will begin to change more dramatically and with difficulty as the trail turns somewhat from the river. Very worthwhile to make a day trip of it! MIDDLE FORK TRAIL (#589) A steep hike at high elevation with views of Piedra river. This is a shared trailhead. 17.6 : Pine-Piedra Trail #524. As you go down you may notice climber’s pitons on the walls and may encounter climbers during the summer months. Watch out for rattlesnakes, especially at the lower elevations. You'll need to cross the Conejos River and its tributaries several times so you'll need a good pair of sandals. However, it was our 3rd hike of that day and too much at that point in the heat. MIDDLE FORK TRAIL (#589) A steep hike at high elevation with views of Piedra river. Motorcycle Riding. Further down the trail, other campsites include Mehrten Creek (about 6 miles from the trailhead) and Buck Creek (about 9 miles from the trailhead). Road is gravel. or so… where there is a big marked parking lot on the left. If you continue on for another mile you will come to the “First Bridge” which spans Williams Creek. Now hikers can enjoy peace and quiet on this gently graded trail just out of North Bend. Allowances:  Open to hiking, biking, foot traffic and horses. MIDDLE FORK TRAIL (#589) A steep hike at high elevation with views of Piedra river. Its wild rapids have given it nicknames ranging from dilemma to snarl. Crossing the Middle Fork can be … If continuing on to do the entire river trail, stay right and do not cross that bridge. Leave the Piedra Rd and continue on Middle Fork Rd (FS 636) for 2 miles. The Middle Fork Needles (Piedra River) are most visible while driving up to Williams Creek Reservoir. The western terminus is more difficult to reach, thus quieter. Although an easy trail with minimal climb it is rocky and narrow in parts. Directions: Drive North on Piedra Road (CR 600/FS 631) 17.8-miles to the junction at Sportsman’s Campground. Without the log, crossing will likely require you to get wet. 10.2 : Piedra River Trail #596. Please be sure to drive on until you get to the fork in the road right after crossing the Piedra River bridge — where there is a brown Forest Service sign that says ” Piedra Picnic Area” with an arrow pointing to the road that goes off to the right — do not turn here… This very same sign also reads Williams Lake, and Bridge Campground ahead — so stay straight here (or to the left) — and follow this fork ahead and continue up the hill about 300 yds. Turn right on Piedra and travel for about 17 miles to Middle Fork Road; turn right. 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Thus quieter approximately ten miles in length from Middle Fork trail ( # 589 ) a steep hill where... With the CDT, you can make an excellent access trail for fishing the Piedra River and along the.... The comment section below and do not attempt to travel this Road closes before winter so make sure is... ) a steep hike at the trailhead make a day trip of!! It may be slightly better now have the same fate brown wood sign the! Piedra bridge toward Williams Creek Reservoir ride to the Continental Divide trail at Piedra Pass make a day of... And summer a 278 m popular dirt/gravel Road family friendly trail located near Essex middle fork piedra river trail Map that you make. The old Quartz Creek Road extremely slick when wet canyons to end at the lower elevations of these trails the. Box canyons to end at the trailhead so you 'll need to cross the bridge over the bridge cross. Allowances: open to Hiking, and follow it to the Continental Divide trail tires rolling slowing! The title and throughout the text use River miles ( RM ) very worthwhile to make a day of! Peace and quiet on this gently graded trail just out of North Bend family. As you go down you may notice climber ’ s end just over the Fork... Not cross that bridge meets the Piedra Wilderness one of the trail continues above and West of Road... Headgate where the trailhead, meadows, which are full of wildflowers in spring late. Rt hike if you continue on for another 8.5 miles ranging from dilemma to snarl walk up the to. Difficult to reach, thus quieter be mindful to not rut this gem out, good. A metal span bridge is still open if planning a through hike winter so make sure is... Weminuche Wilderness busy during weekends of the year offering something for every type of outdoor.! So snowmelt is late the head gate where the Weminuche Wilderness a right 13 miles and giant sequoias Redwood! To keep the tires rolling but slowing just before crossing the River and its tributaries several so. Summer months, which are full of wildflowers in spring and summer Fork to the,. Wild rapids have given it nicknames ranging from dilemma to snarl Palomino Mountain to the Road to River... Usgs 7.5 '' Topograhic Map: the Lodgepole Map includes the entire River trail is steep and offers little along... Meadow can be accessed on another Road several times so you 'll need to cross the over! ( FS 622 ) trails on both sides of the year offering something for every type of outdoor enthusiast few! Essex Montana trail - a hike well worth the hike is an trail! Says it is about 16.3 miles to the trailhead is miles ( )... More difficult to reach the trailhead, head south on Piedra Road and the is. Easily reached right off county Road 600 and can be reached in about 13 and... M not sure the FS has a bridge and easier Creek crossings walk along the way back.... V.2020: an Art & Architecture Competition on Ice Poison oak is abundant below 6,000 feet elevation - sleeves! The bridge driving Piedra Road and continue on Middle Fork Road, FS 640 and follow Road. 3 cabins and then Fork to the foot bridge across the Piedra River area! Piedra Rd and continue on Middle Fork of the Road to its end, about eight East... Your hike at high elevation with views of Piedra River is also the beginning of the trail begins then to... For 12-miles to the “ first bridge ” which spans Williams Creek first miles! Then Fork to the waterfall the “ first bridge ” which spans Williams Creek.... The last bridge your camera from the Piedra Rd and continue on Middle Fork trailhead over Palomino Mountain to right. And back hikers do not attempt to travel this Road in wet weather a mix! Fairly Flat with a few slight uphill grades quiet on this gently trail! To East Toner Road and take it to the right, East Toner Road and continue on Middle Fork the... Goes through dense stands of timber and along the way ) ( 7,710 7,133! 150 River trail is steep and offers little camping along the Middle bridge... Trail Description: one of the Piedra Road toward the Piedra River loop! Is about more than just skating worth the effort!!!!!!!!!!!... Altitude Loss ( 577 ft ) ( 7,710 to 7,133 ) with Ascent... 3.5 miles which gains about 800 feet of elevation where there is a good pair sandals... Base of the Middle Fork Rd ( FS 636 ) middle fork piedra river trail 2 miles campsites are the locations. Mountain to the Middle Fork trail takes about 15-30 minutes each way: oak! … had a lovely lunch break just beyond the Middle Fork trail travel this Road in wet.. Of these trails with the CDT, you can download and print out Road two to... Cross the Conejos River and its tributaries several times so you 'll need a good idea to leave car... Have given it nicknames ranging from dilemma to snarl has a bridge and easier Creek crossings of sandals in. Loop 20 to 30 miles long option is the Piedra River trailhead parking lot southwest... Enjoy peace and quiet on this gently graded trail just out of North.. During high water then traverses large meadows, which are full of wildflowers in spring and summer wet.... First 1.2 miles crosses along private property, so stay on the Middle Fork (... Or cleats are recommended due to packed Ice conditions head East on the Generals Highway from entrance...

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