wildernet

Saguache Ranger District

Quick Facts

South Fork Trail (Saguache Ranger District)

Beginning Elevation:	10,400 Feet (3241.9 Meters)
Difficulty:	Moderate
Elevation Gain:	1,200 Feet (374.1 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,600 Feet (3616.0 Meters)
Length, One-way:	6.6 Miles (11.0 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	781
Usage:	Moderate to Heavy
USGS Maps:	Mesa Mountain, Creede

General Description

The trail is easy to follow and offers several possibilities for circuit routes. Attractions are fishing in the creek, observing big game, and accessing higher country in the wilderness.

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. From Stone Cellar Campground, follow Forest Road 787 south for 7.5 miles to the turnoff for South Fork trailhead. The trail takes off from the end of the road at the wilderness boundary. The trail is closed to motorized traffic.

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 route west 5.5 miles from Stoneceller Campground along the Middle Fork. The Halfmoon Trail # 912 begins at the Wilderness Boundary directly east of the corral at the end of the road. The trail is closed to motorized traffic. Continue on Halfmoon Trail to reach South Fork Trail # 781.

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 creek	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	South Fork Trail (Saguache Ranger District)	Yes
	Horseback Riding	The trail is easy to follow	Yes
	Viewing Wildlife	Big game	Yes

Related Activities

Cathedral Campground - Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte on Embargo Creek.Campground is located in an aspen grove with a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock to the north.

Cathedral Trail - The lower portion of the trail from the campground to Cathedral Rocks is the easiest to negotiate. From Cathedral Rocks, the trail climbs steeper and becomes rocky until it tops out near Groundhog Park.

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.

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.