wildernet

Divide Ranger District

Quick Facts

Middle Frisco Trail

Beginning Elevation:	9,000 Feet (2805.5 Meters) Forest Road 320
Difficulty:	Moderate
Elevation Gain:	2,500 Feet (779.3 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,500 Feet (3584.8 Meters) Frisco Lakes
Length:	6.0 Miles (10.0 Kilometers)
Usage:	Light
USGS Maps:	Horseshoe Mountain

General Description

This trail is very popular with horsemen during the big game hunting season. The trail starts in a mixed conifer/aspen stand and continues south along the Middle Frisco Creek until you reach Frisco Lakes. Frisco Lakes are located at an open subalpine meadow below a ridge running east and west between Pintada Mountain and Bennett Mountain.

Bennett Mountain stands above 13,000 feet and is referred to as Ole' Baldy. Long ago, when the Spaniards first came to the San Luis Valley, they had named Ole' Baldy "Pintada Mountain". Later, the miners changed the name to Bennett Mountain (Pintada Mountain). Today, people still get confused, you can only see Pintada Mountain from Monte Vista and some people think it's Bennett mountain.

Directions from Del Norte: Go south from Del Norte on Forest Road 13. The trail starts on the left after passing the cattle guard and fence and before the road gets worse.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: May through Labor Day Weekend (NOTE: Popular with hunters) .

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Hiking & Walking	Middle Frisco Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Popular with hunters	Yes
	Big Game Hunting	Popular trail	Yes

Related Activities

North Rock Creek Trail - This trail is lightly used during most of the season. Suitable camping areas can be found along the trail. Beautiful views may be enjoyed at the top.

West Frisco Trail - West Frisco Trail goes all the way to Bennett Mountain, which is 13,203 in elevation. Spectacular views and a diversity of scenery abound on this trail.