wildernet

Conejos Peak Ranger District

Quick Facts

Three Forks Trail

Beginning Elevation:	10,200 Feet (3179.6 Meters) Toilet at parking area at the end of Forest Development Road # 247.
Difficulty:	Easy
Ending Elevation:	10,250 Feet (3195.1 Meters)
Length, One-way:	1.9 Miles (3.17 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	712
Usage:	Moderate
USGS Maps:	Platoro

General Description

The trailhead starts from the parking area at the end of Forest Development Road # 247. This is the boundary of the South San Juan Wilderness. A hiker leaving the parking area will drop off a small ridge to the Conejos River. The trail follows the river valley up to Three Forks and is relatively level.

The valley bottom is a long narrow alpine meadow. The valley walls are steep and forested with dense stands of Engelmann spruce and alpine fir. The trail passes through a few small stands of trees giving a good panoramic view of the valley and surrounding mountains.

There are good fishing opportunities along this section of the river.

After reaching Three Forks, the hiker has the opportunity to hike El Rito Azul Trail #718, the Middle Fork Trail #712, or North Fork Trail #714.

Directions: From the junction of Forest Development Road # 250 and Forest Development Road # 247, drive 6.5 miles southwest along Platoro Reservoir on Forest Road. 247 to the parking area.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: May through October .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report

No trip reports filed to date. Please be the first one to do so!

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Cold Water Fishing	Some good opportunities	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Three Forks Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Trail is relatively level	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Panoramic views	Yes

Related Activities

Adams Fork - The Adams Fork flows from headwaters below Summit Peak on the Continental Divide to join the Conejos River near Platoro Reservoir.

El Rito Azul Trail - The El Rito Azul Trail #718 begins in Three Forks Park and follows El Rito Azul to Blue Lake. The visitor passes through stands of spruce-fire alternating with open meadows. Magnificent views await the visitor at trails end.

Middle Fork Conejos River Trail - The trail follows the edge of an alpine meadow and offers a spectacular view of the Continental Divide with a glacial valley in the foreground.

North Fork Conejos River Trail - This trail is entirely within the boundaries of the South San Juan Wilderness Area. The trail rises steeply through several switchbacks and then back into a meadow, eventually viewing the Continental Divide.