Excellent views of Creede and several historic mines provided along the first 2.0 miles of this trail. Breathtaking scenery is enjoyed while standing at Inspiration Point. Be sure to carry water for the tongue-dragging climb from Creede to Inspiration Point. Water is scarce across the 1.0 mile open area of Wason Park. Good camping opportunities are generally not available until one reaches the Wason Park Area. The trail is easy to follow, with a well defined tread. Access to the Wheeler Geologic Area and the La Garita Wilderness is possible via this trail. Large, open alpine meadows with scattered patches of spruce/fir timber are a common part of the landscape once hikers reach Wason Park. Mining activity may obliterate sections of the trail from Creede to Inspiration Point. Intense lightning storms occur in this area during the summer rainy season. Beginning at the trailhead just below the Baptist Church property in Creede, the trail begins with a steep, hard climb to Inspiration Point. The climb includes a number of switchbacks and upon entering tree line above Creede, traverses numerous loose rock slide areas. From Inspiration Point, the trail follows the ridge between the Dry Gulch and East Willow Drainages. At the head of Dry Gulch, the trail enters an open burn area. The trail passes through the burn area and begins a short climb onto the west end of Wason Park. After wandering for about a mile through open parks and scattered patches of spruce and fir, the trail enters the vast openness of Wason Park. The trail traverses the rolling meadows of Wason Park for about 2.5 to 3.0 miles. The La Garita mountains rise to the north of Wason Park and as one approaches the junction of the Farmers Creek Trail (# 801), the Wheeler Geologic Area can be seen in the distance. After meeting the Farmers Creek Trail, the Wason-Wheeler Trail will cross several of the upper tributaries of West Bellows Creek. The trail goes a short way and then enters a fairly dense stand of old-growth timber. After a distance of approximately 0.5 mile, the trail meets with the trail that travels through the Wheeler Geologic formations. Winter Activities:
Although several excellent possibilities exist for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the Wheeler/Wason area, few people take advantage of the opportunities. The foot and horse trails in this area offer limited skiing opportunities for those who may desire to take a look at this winter wonderland. Inspiration Point/Wason Park Trail (Forest Road 789) has problems with snow and terrain at lower elevations, similar to Farmers Creek Trail. La Garita/Wason Park Trail (Forest Road 787) is a beautiful area to ski tour. Rolling hills, large open, tree-lined parks, and plenty of winter solitude. Only accessible if several overnight stays are planned. Severe weather very possible.
Directions from Creede: Creede Townsite, 100 yards south of the Baptist Church.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
Late May through Early September .
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