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Identification & Gathering: Colorado > West Elk Wilderness

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Activity	Location	Description

Agate Creek Trail	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail offers fair fishing along Agate Creek and access to the Continental Divide.

Augusta Mine Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The Augusta Mine Trail begins on the Poverty Gulch Road and follows it to the abandoned mine site.

Avery Peak Picnic Ground	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Avery Picnic Area is located on Gothic Road north of the town site of Gothic. It contains four family picnic areas with tables and grills.

Beaver Ponds Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This is an easy, half-mile hike that's good to do with children. It winds through aspen forest that are lovely during late September.

Big Blue Creek	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The headwaters of Big Blue Creek begin in the Uncompahgre Wilderness and flow northward to the Gunnison River. The stream is clear and cold. Brook trout are plentiful, although they are relatively small.

Big Blue Trail	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail offers good fishing and spectacular, high-alpine views but can be crowded during the summer months.

Boulder Lake	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Boulder Lake lies immediately south of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness boundary. It can be accessed via a steep climb on a spur trail from the Fossil Ridge Trail.

Browns Pass Trail #369	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Browns Pass Trail leads from the Texas Creek Valley to Cottonwood Pass Road. The trail is approximately six miles long, most of it lies within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

Canon Hondo Trail	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This two mile hike offers a less traveled option than most hikes in the region, with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. The entire Canon Hondo Trail lies within the La Garita Wilderness.

Canyon Creek - Horse Creek Loop Trail	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The Canyon Creek - Horseshoe Creek Loop is approximately 12.5 miles in length. A topographic map of the area is recommended for anyone attempting this hike.

Canyon Diablo Trail	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The Canyon Diablo Trail stems from Trail 465 along Cochetopa Creek. The entire trail lies within the boundaries of the La Garita Wilderness.

Canyon Infierno Trail	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail provides access to the Powderhorn Wilderness, a high alpine tundra ecosystem with expansive views of the San Juan and La Garita Mountain Ranges. Herds of elk are a common sight at the upper end of the trail.

Castle Pass Trail #441	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This is a difficult trail to access, because Castle Creek Road is private property. Castle Pass Trail leads west from Lowline Trail over Castle Pass to Cliff Creek Trail.

Cataract Lake	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This alpine lake can be accessed on horse or foot only. Because of Cataract Lake's high elevation, fishing in it varies every year, but it is reported to be good at times.

Cataract Lake Trail	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail delivers the traveler to Cataract Lake where fishing is reported to be good. The trail continues beyond the Continental Divide as Trail 822, West Lost Trail Creek Trail on the Rio Grande National Forest.

Cebolla Creek	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Mill Creek forms the headwaters of Cebolla Creek southeast of Lake City. These streams have good populations of rainbow and brook trout and are easily accessible.

Cebolla Trail	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Cebolla Trail, 459, leads 18 miles east/west through the La Garita Wilderness. The entire trail lies above 10,000 feet so be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Coal Mesa Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The trail climbs from Soap Creek to West Elk Creek. It follows a ridge for a distance with excellent views.

Cochetopa Creek	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Cochetopa Creek is easy to access with good to excellent fishing. The headwaters are described here. They lie within or adjacent to the La Garita Wilderness.

Conundrum Trail #1981	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail lies within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and uses Copper Creek as an access to Conundrum Hot Springs.

Copper Creek Tail #1983	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Copper Creek Trail, 1983, leads from the Judd Falls Trailhead near Gothic, north to East Maroon Pass. The entire length of this trail is located within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Copper Lake	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This is a high-alpine lake that supports snake river cutthroat and rainbow trout. The fishing is rated as fair.

Costo Lake	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This beautiful lake lies in the West Elk Wilderness. It is a good destination for a pack trip.

Costo Lake Trail #425	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail accesses Costo Lake (fair fishing) in the West Elk Wilderness. The best way to access this trail is hiking north on Lowline or Mill Castle Trails.

Crystal Lake	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Crystal Lake lies northwest of Lake City along the Crystal Lake Trail. The hike to Crystal Lake is difficult. Fishing for brook and rainbow trout varies from fair to good.

Daisy Pass Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Daisy Pass trail heads southwest from Baxter Basin to Redwell Basin. The entire trail traverses through high, rugged terrain.

Deer Lakes	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Deer Lakes are a series of small, easily accessible, man-made reservoirs offering good to excellent fishing for rainbow trout.

East River	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The East River headwaters begin near Emerald Lake north of Gothic. It provides 35 miles of fishing water before joining the Taylor River in Almont.

Emerald Lake	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Emerald Lake is an alpine lake of twelve surface acres, that supports small rainbow trout. It is situated in a scenic valley with a picnic area on its northern shore.

Emerald Lake Picnic Ground	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This picnic area lies on the shores of one of the region's most beautiful alpine lakes. The area consists of four picnic sites with tables and a vault toilet.

Gold Creek Trail #427	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Gold Creek Trail connects Union Park Road and Gold Creek Campground. It leads through the eastern side of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness area.

Gunsight Pass Road	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Gunsight Pass Road lies north of Crested Butte and can be accessed from Slate River Road. The road is passable for five miles to the Daisy Mine.

Henry Lake Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The Henry Lake Trail, 429, stems from the South Lottis Creek Trail. It follows South Lottis Creek to its source Henry Lake.

Kebler Pass Road	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This dirt road leads through the West Elk Mountains and connects Paonia to Crested Butte. It is maintained from Memorial Day through October.

Lake Irwin	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This beautiful alpine lake is easily accessed and supports rainbow and brook trout in thirty surface acres of water.

Lake Irwin Picnic Ground	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The Lake Irwin Picnic Ground is especially with anglers. Most summer days visitors can see fish biting insects on the surface of the lake.

Lamphier Lakes	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Lamphier Lakes lie high in an alpine valley of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness. Because of the high altitude, the fishing in these lakes varies day to day. Native cutthroat and rainbow trout can be found here.

Larson Lakes	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Larson Lakes lie four miles from the Old Lake City Cemetery on Larson Lakes Trail, 236. The hike to Larson Lakes is of moderate difficulty. Fishing for brook and rainbow trout is often good at this site.

Lowline Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail is a good access for the entire east side of the West Elk Wilderness and is an excellent trail for extended pack trips.

Magdalena Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Magdalena Trail lies within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness in the Texas Creek drainage. The trail leads to a mine site close to the Continental Divide.

Marshall Creek Drainage	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Marshall Creek headwaters begin near Marshall Pass on the Continental Divide. They flow westward to join the waters of Tomichi Creek. The creek contains rainbow, brook and brown trout.

Mill Castle Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail goes through rugged terrain, but is one of the most scenic trails in the West Elk Wilderness.

Mill Lake	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Mill Lake lies at an elevation of 11,720 feet. The fishing can vary dramatically from hour to hour, but fish of 18 inches have been caught at this site.

Mirror Lake	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Mirror Lake lies at 11,000 feet immediately west of the Continental Divide. brook and rainbow trout inhabit this clear lake.

Ohio Creek Road	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Ohio Creek Road leads 23.5 miles north from Gunnison to Kebler Pass. Its a great place to see the Colorado wildflowers in bloom during the summer and the golden hue of aspen trees in autumn.

Ohio Pass Falls Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The trail to Ohio Pass Falls is approximately one and a half miles, beginning on an abandoned jeep road. The falls are part of the Ohio Creek headwaters flowing from the eastern Anthracite Mountain Range.

Pot Hole Lakes	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Pot Hole lakes lie close to 10,000 feet on the Taylor River north of Taylor Reservoir. They are heavily stocked due to easy accessibility.

Ptarmigan Lake	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This lake, located above 12,000 feet, offers rainbow trout and good fishing.

Quartz Creek Drainage	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Quartz Creek flows from the Continental Divide to Tomichi Creek near Parlin. This stream and surrounding drainages have rainbow, brook, brown and native (cutthroat) trout.

Rainbow Lake Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The trail heads northwest from Rainbow Lake Road seven miles into the West Elk Wilderness.

Red Mountain Creek Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Red Mountain Creek Trail, 543, leads from the Red Mountain Road to the Continental Divide. The trail is marked as Rocky Mountain Trail on USGS maps.

Silvanite Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The Silvanite Trail leads from Copper Creek to the abandoned Silvanite Mine site in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Slate River	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This small river supports brook, brown and rainbow trout, but the fishing is rated as poor. Regardless, the surrounding terrain is beautifully rugged with many recreation opportunities.

Soap Basin Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Soap Basin Trail is a good trail to incorporate into your route for extended pack trips. It connects with several other trails within the West Elk Wilderness.

Soap Creek Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Soap Creek Trail leads north from Soap Creek Trailhead nine miles to a junction with Soap Basin Trail. Most of the tread parallels Soap Creek. It is contained within the West Elk Wilderness.

South Lottis Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	South Lottis Trail extends north and south, through the Fossil Ridge Wilderness, for ten and a half miles. It leads from the South Lottis Trailhead to the Gold Creek Trailhead.

Spring Creek Reservoir	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Spring Creek Reservoir lies immediately west of Taylor Park Reservoir amidst 10,000 and 11,000 foot peaks. This lake supports rainbow and brown trout and fair fishing.

Summerville Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This trail begins in Taylor Canyon, one mile below Lodgepole Campground. After entering the Fossil Ridge Wilderness, the trail climbs out of Summerville Creek connecting with the Fossil Ridge Trail, 431.

Swampy Pass Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Swampy Pass Trail is a good access to the West Elk Wilderness from the Ohio Creek Road. The trail is very scenic.

Taylor Lake	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	This lake supports Brook trout, but is rated as having poor fishing.

Taylor River Road	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The Taylor River Road is a paved, narrow, winding road, that follows the Taylor River through Taylor Canyon. Traffic is usually very heavy in the summer months.

Texas Creek Lakes	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	These four lakes are fed by Texas Creek and are centrally located between the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness boundary and Taylor Park Reservoir in Taylor Park.

Texas Creek Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	The trail enters the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and forks lead to Waterloo Gulch, Magdalene Gulch, South Texas Creek and Browns Pass. The area is characterized by old mine workings and alpine scenery.

Tomichi Creek Drainage	Cebolla Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Tomichi Creek begins on the west of the Continental Divide between Pitkin and Sargents, Colorado. It has rainbow and brook trout in its upper, faster moving waters. The slower waters have German Brown.

Twin Lakes	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Twin Lakes are located within the southeastern boundary of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. The lakes support rainbow trout with the fishing rated as poor.

Twin Lakes Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Twin Lakes Trail leaves upper Brush Creek Road and enters the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Twin Lakes lie at approximately 11,780 feet.

Washington Gulch Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Washington Gulch Trail leads southeast from Gothic Road to Washington Gulch Road. This four and a half mile trail makes a short day hike if a car is available at each terminus.

Waterloo Trail	Taylor River Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	Waterloo Gulch Trail leads north from Texas Creek, following a stream to the head of Waterloo Gulch and a small lake. This entire route lies within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.