Trail Update: 06/15/2024:On June 15, 2024, about 4 dozen down trees between miles 2 and 5 (we turned around at Sugarloaf Mountain but things got much better in the last 1.5 miles), about half of them difficult to bypass, making for a terrible experience. We were the first ones up this year, judging by the number of downers covering the entire trail without any branches pruned (and hence impassable). Spent about 2 hours on trail maintenance but it needs a bunch more, esp. a chainsaw crew.
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Length: 10.5 miles one way
Elevation Stats: Elevation Gain 3,542′ (altitude 8,452′ to 12,001′) with Ascent 5,429′ and Descent 1,876′.
Trailhead Facilities: Restroom with large parking lot and overnight camping available.
Short Trail Description: This trail crosses the Middle Fork of the Piedra River at the very beginning and the crossing can be difficult during high water. After crossing the river the trail heads northeast through level meadows for about .75 miles before turning east and beginning to climb steeply. The trail travels past Window Lake and Monument Lake, up and over Palomino Mountain and onto the Continental Divide Trail. The trail is steep and offers little camping along the way but has great color in the fall when the Aspen are changing colors.
Driving Directions: From Forest Service office on Highway 160 go West for for 2.4 miles then turn right on Piedra Road for 15.7 miles. Turn right onto Taylor Lane for 144ft then turn left on FS road 636 for 5.4 miles . Trailhead is at end of road.
As of 08/17/24 the trail has been completely cleared at least to timberline 5 miles in. Great work done clearing a LOT of large deadfalls in bad places. Many thanks to our local trail crews to get this done! Please note that a new bypass trail has been cut around a steep section on the first big pull out of the valley. Unfortunately, it’s a big downhill and back up switchback, so don’t be surprised.
Hello. Was wondering if I could pack out on this trail and if so, is there grazing for the stock near either lake? We know not to have stock near the lake but if there is a meadow or grazing near the would allow us to set up camp and fish that would be great.
On June 15, 2024, about 4 dozen down trees between miles 2 and 5 (we turned around at Sugarloaf Mountain but things got much better in the last 1.5 miles), about half of them difficult to bypass, making for a terrible experience. We were the first ones up this year, judging by the number of downers covering the entire trail without any branches pruned (and hence impassable). Spent about 2 hours on trail maintenance but it needs a bunch more, esp. a chainsaw crew.
Nice views on this trail.
Sept. 7, 2022 There are still a bunch of trees down across the trail starting about 5 miles (GPS distance, which is longer than distances on this website) and 10,700′, especially that first switchback. The worst have social bypass trails, including the switchback. Turn uphill where there are two short logs across the trail to take the switchback cutoff and avoid a bunch of trees. Using the bypass trails is suitable for horses, which can reach treeline.
As of 6/7/22, approximately 20 trees down over the trail from the Wilderness boundary to Lean Creek.
On 6/10/21, hiked from trailhead to Lean Creek crossing. Approximately 40 trees across trail
Thanks! The San Juan Outdoor Club was out yesterday and cleared 30 tress on the first 2.6 miles.