North Canyon Trail 656 takes you through ponderosa pine and aspen forests. A scenic overlook of Vallecito Reservoir is available on a side trail along the way. The trail starts on the Forest Service gravel road on the east side of the lake near the entrance to North Canyon campground. There is no signage at the trail sign, but it is heavily used, especially by horseback riders. Mountain biking is also a popular activity.
Directions from Bayfield, Colorado: Travel 13 miles north on County Road 501 to Vallecito Reservoir. Turn east onto Forest Service Road 603 and cross the dam at the south end of the reservoir. Follow for about 3 1/2 miles on the east side of the reservoir. The trail begins on the right across from the North Canyon Campground entrance.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Mid-Spring through Mid-Fall .
Current Conditions & Trip Reports
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Recreation Opportunities
Activity
Remarks
On Site
Hiking & Walking
North Canyon Trail
Yes
Horseback Riding
Heavily used trail
Yes
Mountain Biking
Popular
Yes
Related Activities
Graham Creek Campground - About two miles north of Old Timers Campground is Graham Creek Campground, with 25 sites and a rough, natural-surface boat ramp. The hillside sites are about 100 yards from the high-water line, and offer a choice of sun or shade.
North Canyon Campground - North Canyon Campground is open only during the peak midsummer season, and is 0.5 mile north of Graham Creek Campground. Although the 21 sites are several long, level ones suitable for large RVs.
Pine Point Campground - The Pine Point Campground is 1/2 mile north of North Canyon Campground, at the upper end of the lake. The campground offers good views of the high, often snowcapped peaks to the northwest.
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