To reach Trail 496 leave the Eddiesville Trailhead on Forest Road 794 and walk south on the Colorado Trail/Skyline Trail, 465. Trail 465 follows the Cochetopa Creek drainage as it gently climbs through the San Juan Mountains toward the Continental Divide. Be sure to stop and view the beaver dams that block the flow of Cochetopa Creek. These are truly amazing feats of construction.The Canyon Diablo Trail leads to the left (south) approximately 3.75 miles from the trailhead and after two switchbacks on the trail. These switchbacks take users around a small canyon, through a wooded area, then into an open, high meadow. When the terrain opens again the Canyon Diablo Trail lies immediately to the left. The trail is short, but has some unique attractions. Very often a small herd of bighorn sheep graze in the canyon during summer months. Also orienteering enthusiasts can make an interesting loop trail by crossing over into the Lake Fork of the Cochetopa drainage to the east. A topographic map is a must as this hike can be confusing.
Directions from Gunnison: Access Via Forest Service Road 794: Take Highway 50 east to Colorado State Highway 114. Drive through Cochetopa Canyon and then turn right on the access road to Dome Lakes and the Old Agency Work Center (BLM Route 3083, NN 14 Road). Continue past Upper and Lower Dome Reserviors to BLM Route 3086 (15-GG Road). Turn right on BLM 3086 and follow it approximately four miles to the Stewart Creek Road sign and Forest Service Road 794. Follow 794 17 miles to the Eddiesville Trailhead. From the Eddiesville Trailhead, take the Skyline Trail up the Cochetopa Creek drainage approximately three and a half miles to the Canyon Diablo Trail.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
May through October .
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