Colorado State Highway Department maintains a small parking site at Spring Creek Pass. The trail is marked with orange diamonds. Snowmobilers help pack the trail on a regular basis. If you plan to make the full 8-mile trip, be sure to leave a vehicle at the North Clear Creek Parking Area. This same route is part of the developed snowmobile trail system on the District. Scenic winter views along a major portion of the Continental Divide. The upper 4 miles of this trail follow a primitive 4-wheel drive road to Rito Hondo Reservoir. The first mile is a gradual uphill climb with one exception, which is a short, steep pitch as the trail leaves Spring Creek Campground. The first climb will be sure to get the lungs and legs fine-tuned for the fun that lies ahead! After the first mile, the trail makes a sharp turn to the south. The turn will be well-marked. Following this turn, the skier will traverse flat country interspersed with small open parks and spruce-fir timber stands for approximately 1.5 miles. The trail user will then begin descending (with a couple excellent, short downhill runs) toward Rito Hondo Reservoir.
From Rito Hondo Reservoir, the ski trail follows the Rito Hondo/Continental Reservoir Road #513 to Colorado Highway 149, a distance of about 4 miles. This area is open, flat country.
Snowmobilers often pack the trail for skiers. The lower section of this trail affords little protection from winter weather elements. Approximately 1 mile of the route along Road #513 goes through private property. Please respect all private facilities you see along this route.
Directions from Creede, Colorado: Travel west on Colorado Highway 149 for approximately 29 miles to the Spring Creek Pass Campground. Trail exits 50 yards northwest of restroom.
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