wildernet

Blanco Ranger District

Quick Facts

Papoose Trail

Beginning Elevation:	7,960 Feet (2481.3 Meters)
Difficulty:	Moderate
Elevation Gain:	1,840 Feet (573.6 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	9,800 Feet (3054.9 Meters)
Length:	4.5 Miles (7.5 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	2,248
Usage:	Moderate

General Description

This trail, which begins at the end of Forest Road 238, follows Papoose Creek for 2 miles through lodgepole and aspen forest. Shortly before you break out into Papoose Basin, you climb a rocky point where Papoose Creek cascades down several short waterfalls 100 feet below the trail. Entering Papoose Basin, aspen becomes the dominant tree species with large grassy meadows between stands. The trail turns gradually to the west, climbing a series of switchbacks out of Papoose Basin onto Nimerick Point, the western most promissory of the Flat Tops plateau. From the switchback onto the top, a view of the upper White River valley is gradually revealed as you gain altitude. Once onto the plateau, the trail follows a long, narrow park for 3/4 mile to its junction with the Oyster Lake Trial, 4.5 miles from the trailhead.

Directions from Meeker: Papoose Trial is located 31 miles east of Meeker. Take State Highway 13 east out of Meeker for one mile; turn right on County Road 8 for 28 miles; turn right, cross the bridge and turn right on the Marvine Creek Road (County Road 12) for 1 mile to the Ute Creek Road (County Road 119). Follow this road 1 mile taking the right fork to the Papoose Trailhead parking area. From the parking area, you travel 1/4 mile on the Ute Lodge road to where the trail starts to the left of the entrance to Ute Lodge.

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

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Open Updated: 2000-05-26 17:57:00.0

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Difficulty: Moderate
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: The trail is dry up beyond the falls, the spring bloom has begun! may 30 2000

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking		Yes
	Hiking & Walking
	Horseback Riding		Yes

Related Activities

Big Ridge Trail - This trail begins near the mouth of Marvine Creek and climbs along Big Ridge to views of the surrounding mountains and valleys past several lakes and through a variety of ecosystems.

East Marvine Campground - East Marvine Campground is located 36 miles east of Meeker at an elevation of 8,200 feet. It offers fishing and trail access.

Marvine Campground - This popular campground is located 36 miles east of Meeker along Marvine Creek, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. It offers access to a number of trails and lakes for hiking, fishing and hunting.

North Fork Campground - North Fork Campground is located 35 miles east of Meeker close to the North Fork of the White River, at an elevation of 8,000 feet. In addition to single sites, the campground has a group site for up to 50 people.

Oyster Lake Trail - This 25 mile long trail begins just south of Buford. It intersects numerous other trails and passes many lakes while crossing the Flat Tops Plateau until reaching the Wall Lake Trail above Trappers Lake.

Ute Creek Trail - The trail leads up Ute Creek and eventually onto the Flat Tops Plateau. It intersects the Oyster Lake Trail just past Oyster Lake.