wildernet

Access: Colorado

Quick Facts

Ute Creek Trailhead

Elevation:

9,500 Feet (2961.3 Meters)

General Description

The trailhead is located 37.7 miles southwest of Creede on Forest Development Road 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road). The trailhead bulletin board provides a district map as well as Weminuche Wilderness maps and information and trail registration forms. A vault toilet is available and there is ample parking, including a horse unloading ramp. No refuse receptacles are present nor is any firewood available. There is willow brush present but no trees. It is adjacent to the Rio Grande River and Sky Hi Ranch.

There are numerous tempting attractions. Trails include: access to the Continental Divide, Lost Trail Creek Trail 821 to Carson City Mining area, West Lost Trail Creek Trail 821 and Ute Creek Trail 819 to the Weminuche Wilderness. Ute Creek Trail requires crossing the Rio Grande, which may be difficult because of high water in the spring and early summer. Do NOT use the private footbridge on the Sky Hi Ranch for any purpose. The 4 WD roads are Stony Pass (Forest Road 520) and Beartown/Kite Lake (Forest Road 506). Lost Trail Creek, Ute Creek and one mile from the upper end of Rio Grande Reservoir are all accessible fishing sites. The Rio Grande River is nearby as well. There is also undeveloped camping and picnicking.

Directions from Creede, Colorado: Travel southwest on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles, to Forest Road #520 (Rio Grande Reservoir Road). Then go 17.6 miles west on Road #520.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Trailhead Parking	Ute Creek Trailhead	Yes
	Camping	Undeveloped	Yes
	Cold Water Fishing	Head of Rio Grande Reservoir, Rio Grande River, Ute Creek, Lost Trail Creek	Yes
	Four-Wheel Driving	Stony Pass (FR 520) and Beartown/Kite Lake (FR 506)	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Weminuche Wilderness/Continental Divide; Lost Trail Creek, West Lost Trail Creek and Ute Creek Trails	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Horse loading ramp	Yes
	Picnicking	Vault toilet available	Yes

Nearby Services

Guest Ranch: Sky Hi Ranch Directions: Adjacent to Trailhead

Related Activities

Lost Trail Creek - Excellent views and good fishing are both possible along this trail. Evidence of recent and historic mining activity is visible near Carson Pass on the Continental Divide.

Reservoir (rio Grande) Picnic Ground - This site overlooks Rio Grande Reservoir and has 4 picnic units, each with tables and fireplaces.

Rio Grande Reservoir - This is a scenic high mountain reservoir with access to wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities. There are five campgrounds, picnic areas, many trails leading from the area and a jeep road with a historical site.

Ute Creek Trail - This trail is the major access route into the vast Ute Basin Area. Four major fishable lakes sit in the beautiful basin. The Ute Trail is a popular route with Weminuche Wilderness visitors.