Trinchera Peak Four-Wheel Drive Road

Copyright: Unknown aerial view of a conifer forest

The 4 WD portion of the road climbs steeply after the first switchback, going through scree and tundra. It then drops into a cirque (where a waterfall can be seen in early spring).

The road then climbs with narrower switchbacks over large scree and sliderock. The portion of the road from tree line to the dead-end at 12,600 feet , takes you to just below the ridge at an old mine. This part is about 1 mile in length with a 1,000 foot vertical rise.

The trail to Trinchera Peak begins just after the mine and the summit is about 3/4 of a mile (40 minutes ) from the mine. Gain the steep and rocky ridge and follow it to the summit. Trinchera Peak is part of the Sangre de Christo Range and sightings of a large herd of bighorn sheep are common.

Directions from La Veta: Take Highway 12 south from La Veta, through Cuchara and past the turnoff for Cuchara Mountain Resort. Cuchara Recreation Area is a right turn onto Forest Road 422 . About two miles up the road are the Day Use and Parking Areas, after about five miles you reach Blue and Bear Lakes. It is a typically rutted gravel road; watch yourself going up when the switchbacks turn, some are very deeply rutted. Trinchera Peak 4WD Road 436 begins across from the entrance to Blue Lake Campground, on the left side. There is some parking for 2 WD vehicles just before the 4WD road begins.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Mid-June through Mid-October (NOTE: Weather dependent) .

Bear Lake Day Use Area - Bear Lake Parking and Day Use Area provides access to Blue Lake, Bear Lake Campground and the Indian Trail.

Blue Lake Campground - Blue Lake Campground is located at an elevation of 10,500 feet above sea level, within a short hike of Blue Lake. It consists of 15 single family units. Drinking water is provided.

Blue Lake Day Use Area - Blue Lake Parking and Day Use Area has enough parking for 12 vehicles. Included in this site is a handicapped accessible trail to and along the south shoreline of the lake. The parking area and access trail are aggregate surfaced.

Cuchara Day Use Area #1 - The Cuchara Day Use Areas include four picnic areas. These sites are located along Forest Road 422, on Cuchara Creek, within the first two miles of the road.

Cuchara Day Use Area #2 - The Cuchara Day Use Areas include four picnic areas. These sites are located along Forest Road 422, on Cuchara Creek, within the first two miles of the road.

Cuchara Day Use Area #3 - The Cuchara Day Use Areas include four picnic areas. These sites are located along Forest Road 422, on Cuchara Creek, within the first two miles of the road.

Cuchara Day Use Area #4 - The Cuchara Day Use Areas include four picnic areas. These sites are located along Forest Road 422, on Cuchara Creek, within the first two miles of the road.

Purgatoire Campground - Purgatoire Campground is located on Forest Development Road 34 approximately 4miles west of its intersection with State Highway 12.

Trinchera Peak - Trinchera Peak is located above Cuchara and this four-wheel drive road gets you a few miles closer to the summit. Travel through conifers to tree line, where all but high clearance 4 WD vehicles.

Trinchera Peak Trailhead - Access to Trinchera Peak Trailhead is located above Cuchara on the left side of Blue Lake, which is part of the Cuchara Recreation Area. There is some parking for 2 WD vehicles at the trailhead.