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Saguache Ranger District

Quick Facts

North Crestone Creek Trail

Beginning Elevation:	8,800 Feet (2743.1 Meters)
Difficulty:	More Difficult
Elevation Gain:	3,040 Feet (947.6 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,840 Feet (3690.8 Meters) Ends at North Crestone Lake
Length, One-way:	6.0 Miles (10.0 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	744
Usage:	Heavy
USGS Maps:	Electric Peak

General Description

The trail offers excellent possibilities for extended backpacking or just a good day hike from the campground. The trail is well marked and regularly maintained. Attractions include fishing in the creek and lake, excellent scenery, waterfalls and the opportunity to see bighorn sheep and occasionally bear.

Directions from Highway 117: Take Colorado Highway 17 to the Crestone Road eastward and through Crestone to North Crestone Campground. The trail begins at the end of the road at the east end of the campground. The trail is closed to motorized traffic.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: May through September .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Cold Water Fishing	In the lake and creek	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	North Crestone Creek Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Well marked and regularly maintained	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Waterfalls	Yes
	Viewing Wildlife	Occasional bear and bighorn sheep	Yes

Related Activities

Major Creek Trail - Trail attractions are 6"-8" brookies and cutthroat trout in the lower section of the creek. No mountain lake is reached unless the divide is crossed to Brush Creek Lakes.

North Crestone Creek Campground - North Crestone Campground is in the narrow valley of North Crestone Creek at the base of Sangre de Cristo Range.

North Crestone Loop Trail - The trail exists as a connector between Comanche Lake and the North Crestone drainage. The trail offers spectacular viewing near Phantom Terrace.

North Fork Crestone Trail - The trail is in good condition and offers numerous possibilities for circuit routes with other trails lasting from 2 days to a week. This route is a photographer's dream.

Rito Alto Trail - The trail ascends a rugged, steep canyon with diverse vegetation and is well marked. Attractions are fishing in the creek and lake, and big game.