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Saguache Ranger District

Quick Facts

Kerber Creek Road

Difficulty:	Easy
Elevation Gain:	1,000 Feet (311.7 Meters)
Length, One-way:	10.5 Miles (17.5 Kilometers)
Time, One-way:	1.5-2 Hours
USGS Maps:	Bonanza

General Description

Begin at the parking area and go back down LL 36 through Bonanza. Turn right onto Forest Road 861 and follow that road about 6 miles to Forest Road 862. Turn right and follow Forest Road 862 around several switchbacks, past the mines, to the parking area.

Once you reach Forest Road 861, the forest views are spectacular for the remainder of the ride. On Forest Road 862, the downhill switches back a few times, so be careful not to follow the wrong route. About two thirds of the way down Forest Road 862, you will come across the old Cocomongo and Bonanza mines. Stay on the trail and do not walk around near the sites, as the hills are pock marked with abandoned mine shafts. But appreciating the history of the area can be accomplished by observing the old buildings from the road. The trail follows drivable roads its entire length.

Directions from Saguache, Colorado: Take U.S. Highway 285 19.0 miles north to Villa Grove. Turn left onto County Road LL 36 and follow this road another 14.0 miles to Bonanza. Continue about 2.0 miles to the intersection of Forest Development Road # 862 and Forest Road # 890. There will be a designated parking area that can access Kerber Creek Trail, Mosquito Lake Trail and Round Mountain Trail.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Open Updated: 2000-05-09 10:28:00.0

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Automobile Travel	Kerber Creek Road	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Stay on the trail	Yes
	Viewing Historic Sites	Cocomongo and Bonanza mines	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Stay on the trail	Yes

Related Activities

Mosquito Lake Trail - The trail to the lake is very rough and difficult to discern at times and the singletrack section past the creek is hard to follow, but the view of the lake is worthwhile.

Round Mountain Four-Wheel Drive Road - The traveler can view the historical mining area in the Bonanza area. From the top of Round Mountain, the traveler has a magnificent view in all directions.

Round Mountain Trail - Along a very rough surface, at an average grade of 10%, this climb is difficult, so be prepared.