wildernet

Saguache Ranger District

Quick Facts

Middle Fork Cut-Off Trail

Beginning Elevation:	11,400 Feet (3553.6 Meters)
Difficulty:	More Difficult
Elevation Gain:	700 Feet (218.2 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	12,100 Feet (3771.8 Meters) Ends at junction with Machin Basin Trail #784.
Length, One-way:	1.5 Miles (2.5 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	888
Usage:	Moderate
USGS Maps:	Creede

General Description

The trail offers an alternative or circuit route to Machin Lake from Middle Fork Trail. It is steep and poorly marked; it has been staked for future reconstruction. Attractions are excellent scenery, diverse wildlife, and camping.

Directions from Saguache, Colorado: Travel northwest on Colorado Highway 114 for 22.0 miles. Follow Forest Road # 750 west/northwest 18.7 miles over Cochetopa Pass. Take Forest Road # 787 south 16.4 miles back over the Continental Divide to Stonecellar Campground. Follow the jeep road west 6.0 miles from Stonecellar Campground along the Middle Fork to a corral. The trail leaves down the hill toward the creek and to the west. The trail is closed to motorized traffic. Travel on Middle Fork Trail #783 to reach Middle Fork Cut-Off Trail # 888.

Directions from Saguache, Colorado: Travel northwest on Colorado Highway 114 for 22.0 miles. Follow Forest Road # 750 west/northwest 18.7 miles over Cochetopa Pass. Take Forest Road # 787 south 16.4 miles back over the Continental Divide to Stonecellar Campground. Follow the jeep road west 6 miles from Stonecellar Campground along the Middle Fork to a corral. The trail leaves down the hill toward the creek and to the west. The trail is closed to motorized traffic. Continue on Middle Fork Trail # 783 to Machin Basin # 784 trail, which then leads to Middle Fork Cut-Off Trail # 888.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: May through September .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Along the route	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Middle Fork Cut-Off Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	steep and poorly marked	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Excellent scenery	Yes
	Viewing Wildlife	Diverse wildlife	Yes

Related Activities

Machin Basin Trail - The trail has had no major maintenance recently and is poorly marked. Major attractions are fishing at Machin Lake, excellent scenery, diverse wildlife and rugged terrain.

Marshall Park Campground - This site is located near Colorado Hwy. 149 and is the closest forest campground to Creede. There is very little screening or trees, so heavy vehicle traffic along Colorado Hwy. 149 is visible.

Middle Fork Trail - The trail provides a direct route to Machin Lake via the Middle Fork of Saguache Creek. Attractions are fishing in the lake and creeks, a waterfall midway, diverse wildlife, and excellent scenery.

Palisade Campground - Some sites are open, while other sites are screened with cottonwoods/aspen/spruce/fir. Campground is located adjacent to Colorado Highway 149 for easy access to travelers passing through.

Palisade Trail - This trail goes north towards Blue Park and Long Park and is mostly used by hikers and hunters.