This trail is accessible from 2 major campgrounds without the need to drive from the campsite. It is not used excessively by hikers which gives the opportunity for solitude. It offers visits to historic cabins and provides excellent scenery, particularly in the fall.This pleasant trail takes 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 open grassed 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 along the way. 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 heading west 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 more gentle. It is also wider and smoother having been used as a stock driveway. The two trails meet and continue as a stock driveway over Meadow Pass and for another mile down to the opposite trailhead at Forest Road 361. As you move along the trail be sure to keep an eye out for aspen tree engravings carved by sheepherders of the 1920's.
Directions from South Fork: Take U.S. Highway 160 2 miles west of South Fork on Beaver Creek Road #360. Turn right at Beaver Creek Campground Access Road. Follow this road for 1/2 mile to the corrals. The trail goes uphill south of the corrals. It can also be reached from the trail originating in Upper Beaver Campground.
Seasonal Information:
Normal Winter Season:
Winter through Spring .
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