Trail update for – 5/2/24 – Trail cleared to Arch 4 miles by Pagosa Ranger District Trail Crew: 55 trees cleared
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Length: 8.3 -miles (one-way)
Elevation Stats: Elevation Gain 2,774 ft ( Altitude 8,494ft to 11,268ft with 3,412ft ascent and 638 ft descent)
Trailhead Facilities: Campground facilities and restroom nearby with small parking area by trailhead.
Suggested Day Hike: Hike to the Arch at 3.8 miles (7.6 miles round trip) with 1,979′ ascent and 257′ descent (Altitude Range from 8,494′ to 10,240′)
The first two miles of this trail are relatively easy, winding through the spruce fir forest on the edge of the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail enters the Wilderness area at 1.1 miles. The trail then begins to climb steeply eventually passing a spot referred to as the Cimarrona Arch Window at the 3.8 mile mark.
Another 1/2 mile and 250-feet of elevation gain leads to an opening in the trail and a great view of Cimarrona Peak.
The trail continues to the northeast side of Cimarrona Peak, the trail passes the Hossick Creek Trail No. 585 at 6.5-miles before climbing up to the Continental Divide at Squaw Pass. At the pass hikers will have ascended 3,400-feet.
Directions: Drive North on Piedra Road (CR 600/FS 631) 22-miles to the intersection with the FS 640 (Williams Creek Road). Turn north (right) and drive an additional 4.1-miles to the trailhead located on the north (left) side of the road just beyond the entrance to the Cimarrona Campground.
Horse rider and horse packetGood trail almost to arch?
Have not been to pass since 2000with pack string but remember a dicy exposed crumbling rock cliff area between arch and camp at about mile 6 . How is that spot?
We made it the 8ish miles to the intersection with Hossick Lake Trail, no down trees!
Trail is in really good shape up to the arch, beyond the arch up to about a mile from thre Hossick Lake junction you’ll have to navigate considerable blowdown. A couple of dicey spots where you have to pick your route carefully. The last mile to the junction with Hossick Lake is clear, but a bit of a grinder. ?
Rode mules to the arch rock on June 18. Trail cleared with a couple trees down that were easily passable, even for hikers. Saw a couple mule deer. Talked to a horse rider who said there was trees down on trail passed the arch so we opted to return due to that and the lateness of the evening. Great trail.
We hiked to the Weminuche Wilderness sign, which took us an hour. Ate lunch, hiked back down. Nice trail, pretty easy. Would like to see the arch, but don’t know if we’ll ever be able to do that, we’re in our mid-60’s.
How far is it if you leave Cimarrona trail head and make a loop back down William’s Creek trail ending at the horse camp up the road about a mile or so from where you started?
Hiked to the arch on Memorial Day (5/25/20). Only 1 tree down up to that point, which was easily skirted. The streams were remarkably dry, so make sure to pack plenty of water for yourself and animals. Our group ranged in age from 7 – 40s. However, the youngest kiddos had the opportunity to ride a horse when tired, otherwise it would have been very difficult for them to accomplish this hike. It is a steep trail, but very rewarding views, mostly in shade, and not in the least bit crowded.
Thanks for the info, Katrina.
Hiked the first 5 miles today (5/20/2020). Trail was in good condition–a couple of downed trees at ~4 miles. Three large clumps of bear scat in the first 1.2 miles(!). We stopped at 5 miles because the snow (starting ~4.5 miles) was becoming tedious and our start was a bit late. Nice hike, and we’ll try again in a week or two.
Mark, Thanks for update!