Trail Update – 5/23/24 – Leche Creek cleared 3 miles to Water Fall by Pagosa Ranger District Trail Crew: 22 trees cleared.
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Length: 8.0-miles one way
Elevation Stats: Altitude gain 966′ (8,301′ to 9,267′ with 2,452′ ascent and 1,486′ descent)
Trailhead Facilities: None
Suggested Day Hike: 6.2 miles (round trip) to waterfall and Leche Creek for a nice lunch spot. Ascent gain 1,413′ (8,135′ to 9,548′)
Short Trail Summary: This hike description is to the junction of the Navajo Peaks Trail No. 577.
This hike can be connected to various other trails for a point-to-point hike including the Fish Creek Trail No. 575, V Rock Trail No 578 or the Navajo Peaks Trail No. 577 at which point you can continue west or south.
The actual start of the trail is across the street from the parking area a short distance to the south east. You will almost immediately cross a small creek before starting to climb up through coniferous forest that will change to old growth Aspen stands. At 2.75 miles, the trail climbs for 1/4 mile through a steep, rocky, and very eroded hill section that looks like a creek bed. Near the top of the hill is an old gate; continue through a couple of small meadows and forests, looking for a cairn on your left (it is not always there so look for a short ridge on your left that has a very faint indication of a trail going over it). Go over the ridge and across a shelf; the creek and waterfall to your right should be apparent at GPS waypoint (342784E 4115219N). The hillside above the waterfall makes an excellent spot for lunch and viewing the mountains beyond. Keep an eye out for wildlife as bear and fox have been seen in this area.
Within the Aspen stands are historic arbor glyphs created by Hispanic sheep headers that once used the area adding an interesting dimension to the hike.
Beginning at the northern terminus, the trail meanders up and down with occasional switchbacks through forest before opening to meadows closer to the Fish Creek Trail No. 575 junction.
The trail continues until you reach the junction with the V Rock Trail No. 578 again continuing south through a patch of trees. Signs point the way down the Old stock driveway. At the high meadow the trail disappears. Stay close to the creek, crossing above a tight stand of aspen trees with cliffs on either side. Re-cross the creek and the trail is again easy to find. Aspen stands and small openings in the landscape dot the remainder of the trail to the junction with Navajo Peaks Trail No. 577. There is no sign at the junction but a sign is on the east side of the trail nailed to an aspen tree.
Directions: From US 160/US 84 junction, turn south onto US 84. Travel 8-miles and turn northeast onto Blanco Basin Road (CR 326), a gravel road. After 9.5-miles turn south onto FS 600 (Castle Creek Road). Continue south for .4-miles and turn on FS 668. Keep left at the fork, approximately .5-miles and continue .2-miles further to a larger circular trailhead.
Hiked up to the Fish Creek junction on 6/9/2023. Trail was basically clear with no snow worth noting. Some wet areas; the meadow around 9,650 where you cross the creek is basically a marsh right now. Above that meadow there were two trees across the trail before you get to the trail intersection.
In two trips we hiked the whole length of the Leche Creek Trail in June 2022. South of the junction with V Rock there were a lot of fallen trees, and then it fades out in the meadow. At the bottom it is pretty invisible in the swamp for a bit, then hits the worn footway up from Navajo Peaks Trail in a very obscure place. We eventually managed to find most of it, but actually staying on the trail itself is quite a challenge for a mile or so.
6/24/22 ~ trail had a tree down just north of Fish Creek Junction at the 2nd creek crossing.
Hiked the trail up to the junction with Fish Creek Trail. Up to this point Leche Trail is completely clear. Enjoy.
After leaving a car at the Leche Creek Trailhead, we hiked Opal Lake Trail to Fish Creek Trail to Leche Creek Trail. Several water crossings but were doable with logs. All trees were cleared the whole route and only a small bit of snow left – but easy to get through. Adding in the waterfall, it was about 8.3 miles total. Beautiful scenery, lots of water and wonderful hike.
7/13/20: We rode this Leche Creek trail today with our 2 horses, starting at the trailhead and heading south to the junction of the Fish Creek Trail. Trail is open, passable for horses and hikers. It is dry, but the waterfalls were running.
I would mention here that I had rode the V-rock trail just last week, and commented on 7/8 about some recent treefall along the trail… adding that I would be riding the Leche Creek trail from the other end so that I could get to the point of the treefall blockage. So, I did that today, and can report that the blockage is about 125-150 yds. south of the Fish Creek Trail junction. I took several photos, and can send them or post them if it turns out to be helpful. This is definitely a recent blowdown, as one of the aspen trees still shows slightly dried up green leaves.
In spite of this… Hikers should not be deterred… you can follow some game-looking trails that wind through this blocked area. Horse riders would have to dismount and do some hand clearing to get through.
All in all this was an enjoyable ride. Lots of larkspur coming on, the elderberries are still green, hoping for some rain to help them ripen and get plump. Also saw some early wild roses.
Thanks,
TD
Thanks again, Ted.
San Juan Back Country Horsemen cut one new downed tree trail at mile point 2.5, rest of the trail is clear to Fish Creek junction.
6/7/20 Hiked to falls; there are about 6 downed trees; 2 large aspen before the short section of 2- track and the rest above. Yesterday’s high winds took quite a few aspen down off the trail as well, and twice I heard trees cracking and falling as winds picked up again in the afternoon. Everything was damp and cool from yesterday’s downpours – a welcome sight.
thanks, Ainslie !
Hiked to waterfall today
Beautiful and rewarding
5/23/2020
May 9, 2020, Rena and Mike walked Leche 2.7 miles out, Mike removed 8 trees from trail. Very little moisture anywhere, driest we’ve ever seen it in 8 years. We stopped at open area where two large trees are blocking trail. Horses will not get past this. Also picked up trash, three pieces.
Mike and Rena Thanks for the update and clearing the trees. Bobby Milford
Hiked up as far as the waterfall, a little over 3 miles, on 05/07/2020. About 9 trees down on the trail but nothing to difficult to get around. Encountered pretty good snow patches about mile 2.7, 9200’ and above in the tight valleys and especially in the steep section. Post holed up to 2’ deep. Trail has become runoff stream so expect wet feet for another week or two. Waterfall is looking good with early season meltwater.