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Home , Lizard Head, Lizard Head Wilderness

JUD WIEBE: Built together by the town of Tellu- Forest Road 638 (Last Dollar Road). Turn right on west from this point. Woods Lake access: From Telluride head south to Bear Creek Road 635 (Bear ride and the Forest Service in 1987, this short but Last Dollar Road and follow the road for about 3 Telluride drive west about 8 miles. Turn left on the Creek Trail). Follow the Bear Creek Trail for about steep trail was designed and named after the late miles. Turn right to enter the trailhead parking Fall Creek Road (County Road 57P). Follow this 1.5 miles. Look for the trail sign on your right. Telluride Area Trails Jud Wiebe (a Forest Service Recreation Manager). lot. This trail receives heavy bike use. Hikers use road for about 9 miles. The trailhead is on the left Trail length: 8.5 miles from Bear Creek Trail to He passed away in 1986 before the trail’s comple- caution. Bikers please yield to hikers and horses. . before Woods Lake Campground. Bridal Veil Powerhouse. Uncompahgre National Forest tion. This trail begins in Telluride at the top of Trail length: 12 miles. Trail length: 10.5 miles. Open to: hikers, horses, bikers. Norwood Ranger District Aspen Street and ends at the Tomboy Road. The Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers. Open to: hikers, horses and seasonal motorcycle trail climbs on either end then contours through use July 1 through Labor Day. PROSPECT: This is one of the most challenging an aspen forest. Most views from this trail are EIDER CREEK: This short spur trail connects to single-track trails in the area. It traverses through of Telluride and the ski area. This is a family the Deep Creek Trail. The trail climbs steeply for spruce and fir as it contours along steep mountain friendly trail and a favorite among local people. 2 miles, and then intersects the Deep Creek Trail. slopes and scree fields. From the San Sofia Nature Trail length: 2.7 miles. From Telluride drive 1 mile west on Highway 145. Center, follow the Village Trail for about ¼ mile. Open to: hikers, horses (to the Deep Creek Trail inter- Turn right on Forest Road 637 (Mill Creek Road) The Prospect Trail veers left off the Village. section from the trailhead) and mountain bikers. near the Shell gas station. This dirt road is high Trail length: 9.1 miles. clearance and not recommended for passenger cars. Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers. Drive about .5 mile to the first hairpin turn. This is the trailhead. VILLAGE: This trail descends through aspen, Trail length: 1.6 miles. spruce and fir as it traverses across ski runs and Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers. slopes. It offers expansive western views. Look for the trailhead sign across from the San Sofia Nature GALLOPING GOOSE: Most of this trail follows the Center in Mountain Village. old Rio Grande Southern Railroad from Trail length: 3 miles. Pass to Society Turn near Telluride. This route once Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers had over 140 bridges and trestles, of which only one remains today. Incredible views of mountain Hope Lake peaks, old historic structures and scenic lakes and streams a wait those who venture out on this trail. Lupine and Paintbrush HOPE LAKE: Hope Lake is a man-made lake, Portions of this trail share forest and county roads. which stores water for the Ames Power Plant. SNEFFELS HIGH LINE: This trail is one of the most Other sections have steep grades and get light Snow generally melts late in the Lake Basin, often challenging and rewarding day hikes in the area. use. The trail is marked by the Galloping Goose in July. This trail climbs through a spruce and It climbs up into the high country of the Mount logo beginning at . This popular fir forest with abundant wildflowers. There are Sneffels Wilderness above timberline. It passes by mountain biking trail can be done in sections or several stream crossings to navigate. It tops out old cabin ruins, mines and streams. When plan- in its entirety. It offers a challenge without being above timberline to Hope Lake. This trail is very ning this hike, get any early start to avoid afternoon overly technical. To get to the trailhead at Lizard popular because of the scenic beauty. From Tel- thunderstorms in the summer. The eastern access Head Pass from Telluride drive about 3 miles to The scenic Telluride Valley is a gateway luride, travel west out of town about 3 miles to for this trail is from the Jud Wiebe trailhead at the Highway 145 (Society Turn). Turn left heading Society Turn. Turn left on Highway 145. Stay on to the Uncompahgre National Forest. top of Aspen Street. The western access for this trail south for about 11 miles to Lizard Head Pass. There the highway for about 10 miles. Turn left at the is from the Mill Creek Road. From Telluride drive 1 is a rest area and interpretive site on the right The panoramic mountain views of the sign on to Forest Service Road 626. mile west on Highway 145 to Forest Service Road side of the highway. The trailhead is on the left Follow the road around the northeast shore of the area are captivating. There are vast op- 637 (Mill Creek Road) near the Shell gas station. side of the highway on Forest Service Road 626. lake for one mile to Forest Service Road 627. Turn Village Trail Turn right on Mill Creek Road and follow it approxi- Trail length: 16.5 miles. portunities for the recreation enthusiast. left. This road is recommended for high clearance mately 1.5 miles to the Telluride Town reservoir. Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers. LIZARD HEAD: Initially this trail climbs steeply vehicles only. Follow the road for about 2.5 miles Telluride sits at 8,750 feet so aerobic This is a high clearance road not recommended for in to the through spruce to the Hope Lake trailhead. passenger cars. There is parking near the reservoir. WILSON MESA: This is a good trail for early and fir and up to Blackface Ridge. Far reaching activity can be challenging. When recre- Trail length: 2.5 miles to Hope Lake, 3 miles to Trail length: 8.5 miles. season access and late fall color. The elevation on views of the San Juan can be seen from the pass. ating, give your body time to acclimate Open to: hikers and horses. this trail doesn’t vary over 800 ft. It is primarily this vantage. A good portion of this trail is above in spruce and fir with some aspen and a few small Open to: hikers, horses and mountain bikers. timberline and exposed to lightning during thunder- to the area, stay hydrated, take extra DEEP CREEK: This is a good trail for early and late open parks. There are several small stream cross- storms. Eventually the trail contours directly under WASATCH TO BRIDAL VEIL: The Wasatch Trail food and clothing, carry a map, prac- season hiking due to its southern exposure and lower ings and wetlands to navigate. The trail borders Lizard Head Peak, which is a prominent rock feature will be closed for most of the 2009 summer season elevation. There are some steep sections on either the Lizard Head Wilderness area for almost the standing by itself at 13,113 feet. At this point there tice good trail ethics, be safe and enjoy for ski area expansion work. This is a steep trail end of the trail. It is located almost entirely in aspen entire length. This trail receives a lot of motor- is a trail junction with the Cross Mountain trail and that leads into the backcountry just outside of yourself. Summer time thunderstorms timber with a few scattered spruce and fir stands. cycle use during the summer since it is the only the Bilk Basin section of the Lizard Head trail. This Telluride. It was originally constructed for mule The trail has panoramic views of the ski area and the motorized trail in the Telluride area. There are is a strenuous hike rewarded by incredible scenic are common in the high country. Plan trains to haul ore from the Nellie Mine. Much of . Waterfalls can be seen along several access points for this trail. Sunshine Mesa beauty. From Telluride drive about 3 miles to High- the trail is above timberline and should be avoided to hike early to avoid afternoon storms the east end of the trail in the Mill Creek Basin. To access: From Telluride drive west about 5 miles. way 145 (Society Turn). Turn left heading south for during thunderstorms. From the trailhead the get to the eastern trail access from Telluride drive Turn south off Highway 145 on to the South Fork about 11 miles to Lizard Head Pass. There is a rest and lightning. If caught in lightning seek trail climbs about 3 miles to 13,000 feet reach- west 1 mile on Highway 145 to Forest Service Road Road (County Road 63L). Go 2.5 miles to the Ilium area and interpretive site on the right side of the ing the divide between Bear Creek and Bridal Veil shelter and stay away from ridge tops, 637 (Mill Creek Road) near the Shell gas station. Church Camp. Turn right on to Forest Service Road highway. Turn in to the rest area. The trailhead is Creek. It continues on in to Bridal Veil Basin and Turn right on Mill Creek Road and follow it approxi- 623. Travel about 4.5 miles on this road to get to above the main parking area on the right. chair lifts, power lines and signposts. Let ends at Forest Service Road 648 (Black Bear Pass mately 1.5 miles to the Telluride Town reservoir. the trailhead. Silver Pick Road access: From Tel- Trail length: Lizard Head to Cross Mountain 9 Road) near the Bridal Veil Powerhouse. The road someone know where you are going and This is a high clearance road not recommended for luride drive west about 8 miles. Turn left on Silver miles. Lizard Head to Wilson Mesa (Bilk Creek) 10 goes down to the Idarado Mine and in to Tellu- passenger cars. There is parking near the reser- Pick Road (County Road 60M). Follow this road for miles. when you expect to return. Call 911 in ride. Signing is minimal on this trail. Make sure voir. To get to the western access for this trail from about 6.8 miles to the intersection of Forest Service Open to: hiker and horses. you carry a good map. From South Pine Street in case of emergency. Telluride drive west 2.5 miles on Highway 145 to Road 645 (Big Bear Road). The trail heads east and WILSON MEADOWS: This is a spur trail off the trailhead on the left. Follow this trail for approxi- Lizard Head trail. Follow Lizard Head trail for mately 3 miles to the Elk Creek trail intersection. about 2 miles. There will be a trail junction on the Trail length: 3.6 miles. TELLURIDE AREA TRAILS 638 right. The trail leads to a lush meadow popular Open to: hikers and horses. RQ with hunters in the fall. To get to the trail from ¤£62 Telluride follow the directions for the Lizard Head WHIPPLE: This trail offers spectacular views of Alder Creek Trail trail. the area and the La Sal Mountains in Eastern Utah. It enters the Wilder- Sneffels Wilderness Trail length: 1.5 miles. Uncompahgre Open to: hikers and horses. ness and eventually ties in with the Deep Creek trail. 'T H Initially the trail starts out in aspen and climbs up National Forest through the spruce and fir. Sheep grazing is permit- ¤£145 !9 Sneffels Highline ted in this area. To get to this trail from Telluride Whipple Deep Creek Trail travel west, 2.5 miles on Highway 145, to Forest Trail Trail Road 638 (Last Dollar Road). Turn right on Last M44 Dollar Road and follow the road for about 9.5 miles. RQ 638 This road becomes rough after the first 5 miles and RQ 'T H Eider Creek is very slippery when wet. High clearance vehicle QR57P Trail use is recommended. The trailhead is on the right side of the road. There is a small parking area at the Jud Wiebe 60M trailhead. RQ 'T H Trail Trail length: 4 miles. Village !5 Telluride Open to: hikers and horses. Trail Wasatch Larkspur and waterfall Trail ALDER CREEK: This trail is primarily in spruce and 648 RQ622 WOODS LAKE: This trail is one of the many used fir and enters the Mount Sneffels Wilderness area. !5 'T H It contours from Last Dollar Pass towards Hayden to get to Navajo Basin in the Lizard Head Wilder- ! ! ! T H ! ! ' ! T H ! Prospect and North Pole Peaks. It eventually becomes the ! '! !

ness. It climbs through spruce and fir for the first ! ! ! !

! ! ! Trail

Dallas Trail. In its entirety, it ends just outside the ! !

two miles. Western views of and the ! ! ! !9 ! !9 town of Ridgway. This trail doesn’t get a lot of ! Wilson Mesa ! 625 !9 La Sal Mountains in Utah can be seen above tree ! RQ ! line at Elk Creek junction. Continuing to Navajo use during the summer season. It does get heavier Trail 'T H Lake is well worth the hike. There are primitive use by hunters in the fall. To get to this trail from Woods Lake Elk Creek Telluride travel west on Highway 145, 2.5 miles to Trail Wilson Mesa campsites at the lake. Campfires are not allowed Lone Cone Trail Trails Trail HIKER/FOOT TRAVEL in Navajo Basin due to high visitor use. Wil- Forest Road 638 (Last Dollar Road). Turn right on Trail Last Dollar Road and follow the road for about 10 PACK AND SADDLE son Peak, and El Diente are three Navajo Wilson Meadows miles. This road becomes rough after the first 5 Galloping Goose MOUNTAIN BIKE 14,000 foot peaks in the area. This trail gets a lot Trail Trail ! ! miles and is very slippery when wet. High clearance !9 Trail MOTORCYCLE of horse use. Hikers yield to horses. Step to the SEASONAL MOTORCYC¤£L5E5 U0SE JULY 1 THROUGH LABOR DAY downhill side of the trail. To get to the trailhead vehicle use is recommended. The trailhead is on the !9 right side of the road. There is a small parking area Roads from Telluride drive west about 8 miles. Turn left San Juan HIGH CLEARANCE VEHICLES at the trailhead. on the Fall Creek Road (County Road 57P). Follow National Forest Lizard Head Wilderness GRAVEL ROAD Lizard Head this road for about 9 miles. The trailhead is on the Trail length: 5.5 miles. PAVEMENT Trail 'T H left at the main entrance to Woods Lake Camp- Open to: hikers and horses Cross Moutain LAKES ground. Trail 'T H Land Owner LONE CONE: This trail leads from Woods Lake Galloping Goose Hope Lake NON USFS WITHIN USFS BDY Trail length to Navajo Lake: 4 miles. ¤£145 Campground to Forest Service Road 611 near the Trail Trail Open to: hikers and horses. USDA FOREST SERVICE Lone Cone Guard Station. It climbs through aspen, 0 5 BLM ELK CREEK: This trail is one of the routes into spruce and fir and enters the Lizard Head Wilder- / Miles National Forest Boundary Navajo Basin and the Lizard Head Wilderness. ness. Views of the Wilson Peak area, 7/28/09 cg Most of it follows an old mining road that climbs and Lone Cone can be seen along the trail. This is a up in to the wilderness. It is a popular trail used great trail to view fall color. To get to the trailhead While enjoying the national forest, be responsible, Dispose Of Waste Properly Minimize Campfire Impacts by hunters in the fall. There are several access from Telluride drive west about 8 miles. Turn left care for the environment and respect other users. • Pack it in, pack it out • Use existing fire rings where fires are points for the trail. From Telluride drive west on the Fall Creek Road (County Road 57P). Follow Practice LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES to mini- • Disposit solid human waste in catholes (6”-8” permitted about 8 miles. Turn left on the Silver Pick Road this road for about 9 miles. Turn right at the main mize your impact on the environment. deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and • Keep fires small (County Road 60M). Follow this road for about entrance to Woods Lake Campground. Just beyond trails) 6.8 miles to the intersection of Forest Service Road the campground host site is a parking area on the Respect Wildlife right. Look for the trail near the parking area. Be Considerate of Other Visitors • Pack out toilet paper 645 (Big Bear Road). Turn right on Forest Service • Yield to other users on trail • Observe wildlife from a distance Trail length: 10.5 miles. Leave What You Find Road 645. The trailhead is at the end of this road • Step to the downhill side of trail when • Control pets at all times Open to: hikers and horses. • Leave rock, plants and other natural objects about 2 miles. Forest Service Road 645 will be encountering pack stock closed for summer season of 2009 for road and • Do not build structures, furniture or trenches CONTACT INFORMATION Plan Ahead And Prepare trail maintenance. Wilson Mesa access: From Travel And Camp On Durable Surfaces • Know regulations for area Telluride drive west about 8 miles. Turn left on Norwood Ranger District • Camp out of sight and sound of others • Prepare for weather the Fall Creek Road (County Road 57P). Follow 1150 Forest Street • Camp 100 feet from streams and lakes this road for about 9 miles to the Wilson Mesa Norwood, CO 81423 Phone: 970-327-4261 www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/ August 2009 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.