Middle Fork # 589

Trail Update: 06/30/23:  Trail cleared of down trees for 5.5 miles from trailhead

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Middle Fork Trail Map

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.

Driving Map to Trailhead

Interactive Map to Trailhead

 

5 thoughts on “Middle Fork # 589

  1. 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.

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