Trail Update: 06/07/2024 Trail cleared of down trees 1.8 miles from trailhead to Wilderness Boundary. Trail cleared by Pagosa Ranger Trail crew 10 tress cleared
Please share trail update info in comment section below
Length: 7.5-miles (one-way)
Elevation Stats: Elevation Gain 2,275′ (Altitude 9,981′ to 12,256′ with ascent 3,573′ and descent 1.279′)
Trailhead Facilities: None
Suggested Day Hike: To the Keyhole(Window) 3.0 miles ( 6.0 miles round trip) with ascent 2,241′ and descent 191′ (Altitude 9,982′ to 12,032′)
Short Trail Summary: This trail usually has great flowers and fine views; it is suitable for dogs. This description is to the junction with the Quartz Creek Trail No. 571. From the trailhead, begin climbing initially through meadows and aspen forest. The trail begins to switchback with occasional views of Square Top, Nipple Mountain and Blackhead Peak. Once on the ridge, there are views of these plus Sand Mountain to the north. There is a steep, side-hill climb to Quartz Ridge and the Keyhole (also known as the “window”). The Keyhole is a good destination for a day hike being 3.0 miles (one-way) and 2050 vertical feet. From here, the terrain changes dramatically. If you are feeling good and the weather is cooperating, one can cross to the other side of the ridge, but be careful as there is a short section that is steep with poor footing (sit on your butt if unsure). There is a great lunch spot only ¼-mile past the Keyhole with a fine view of the South San Juan’s. Continuing on, at the junction with Quartz Lake Trail No. 568, turn east and descend to Middle Earth on spectacular trail construction consisting of rebar and cable done with special permission after becoming a designated wilderness area. From junction it is 1 mile to Quartz Lake with a descent of 470 ft. Soon pass Blanco River Trail No. 573 on the south. Continue with occasional clear tread along an undulating up and down traverse to the saddle of the 12,245-foot Quartz Creek Trail junction.
Directions: From US 84, turn left onto Mill Creek Road (CR 302), a gravel road. Drive 6.3 miles to a fork; keep right onto Nipple Mountain Road/FS 665. Continue on this gravel road for an additional 9.7 miles to the trailhead. The road gets somewhat rough the last couple miles and high clearance vehicles are recommended.
Snow is still on the trail. Small passable spots up until about 1.75 miles. Then it got challenging to trek through.
24SEP2021 Clear from trailhead, no blowdowns.
On Saturday, July 10, no indication that any downed trees have been cleared. Harold Thompson’s July 4 comment is correct.
We went beyond the Window on 6/26/21. Some snow patches on the ridges near the window, but passable. We went about 1 miles past, but then turned around due to time constraints. Lots of trees still down.
Did it on 6/25/2020. Snow right before you get to the window. Can go a little below the snow to avoid but lots of scree. Rest of the trail past the window to the lake is clear 🙂
Thanks for update! How many trees were down on the trail?
There are 25 trees down in about 20 spots. Several must be crawled under, but none are terribly difficult.
No snow covering the trail until the 2 mile point, at which I turned around. Great views from the ridge! Several downed trees, but none that can’t be crawled over or under.
Thanks for the info, Dena.