Nichols Creek Trail

The Nichols Creek Trail rises steeply for 1 1/2 miles out of South Fork Meadows staying mostly in open areas. The terrain levels off as the trail continues 1/4 mile to the Park Creek Trail junction. From this junction, you gain elevation gradually as the trail continues through open parks bordered by stands of Engelmann spruce for another mile. The last mile of trail travels through stands of beetle-killed spruce until reaching the Lost Solar Trail below Lost Solar Park, 3.7 miles from the South Fork Trail.

Directions from Meeker: Nichols Creek Trail is located 45 miles east of Meeker. Take State Highway 13 east out of Meeker for one mile; turn right on County Road 8 for 18 miles to the South Fork Road (County Road 10) Turn right for two miles, then jog left 1/4 mile, then right for 10 miles to the South Fork Campground and trailhead. From the trailhead, follow the South Fork Trail 16 miles up South Fork Canyon past Budges Resort to the Nichols Trail junction. The trail is accessible from the Colorado River via the Coffee Pot Road FDR #600 to the Budges Resort. The Nichols Creek Trail lies 2 miles from the road up the South Fork Trail.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: May through November (NOTE: Always open. Beware of severe Winter conditions.) .

Lost Solar Trail - This trail begins five miles up the South Fork Trail and takes out of the South Fork Canyon into the Solar Creek drainage. The trail finally ends up at the Oyster Lake Trail.

Park Creek Trail - This trail begins seven miles up the South Fork Trail along the South Fork of the White River. It leads up Park Creek until reaching the Nichols Creek Trail.

South Fork General Forest Area - The South Fork General Forest area offers accessibility to a wide variety of trails, lakes, campgrounds, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities within the Blanco Ranger District of the White River National Forest.

South Fork Trail (Blanco Ranger District) - The trail follows the South Fork of the White River for close to 26 miles and is almost completely within the Flat Tops Wilderness. It links to several other trails in the area.