Carson National Forest
West Fork Trail #25

In the summer months, this trail is used for hiking and horseback riding. In winter, this trail is used for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Access:

This is the best maintained and most frequently used of the trails to the Santa Barbara Divide. This trail provides the closest access to the Truchas Lakes from the north. No Fish Lake is located at the base of the Divide. Although the total elevation gain is more than 3,000 feet, the climb is fairly gradual.

About three miles up the canyon on Trail #24, you will come to the turnoff to Trail #25. At this point, the canyon branches with the Middle Fork and West Fork of the Rio Santa Barbara. The West Fork Trail continues up the canyon which broadens into a large open meadow, where a magnificent array of wild flowers can be seen during July and August.

Cross-country travel into the Pecos Wilderness is becoming more popular with many taking day hikes through the Middle Fork Trail. The terrain will vary along these trails with the most gentle gradient located in the first four-to-five miles, with the slope becoming progressively steeper after that. Snow depth also increases as you increase in elevation. South-facing slopes will sometimes have bare spots. Be prepared for adverse weather in the wilderness. Always be aware of the avalanche danger!

Attractions and Considerations:

As you continue traveling south on Trail #25, the canyon gradually narrows again. The trail crosses to the west side of the river about three miles from the Middle Fork turnoff and then begins to ascend high above the river via a series of long and gentle switchbacks.

Chimayosos Peak dominates the view to the southeast as the trail continues to climb up the canyon. No Fish Lake (11,600') can be seen along the trail just before the final ascent to the Santa Barbara Divide (12,000'). This shallow lake will not support fish since it freezes solid during the winter months. It is located well below the main trail. If you wish to see it, watch for the turn off as you travel up the canyon. Camping is prohibited within 300' of all lakes.

The top of the Divide is located at the saddle between Chimayosos Peak and North Truchas Peak. The trail dropping directly down to the south is the shortest route to the Truchas Lakes. This trail is steep and badly eroded. A better trail, just to the east, switchbacks gradually down to Skyline Trail #251 and turning west along Trail #251 will take you to the Truchas Lakes. Turning east at the saddle will take you up and over Chimayosos Peak and then along the top of the Santa Barbara Divide. Turning west takes you up onto North Truchas Peak.

• Location: Camino Real Ranger District - Northern Pecos Wilderness
• Length: 5.5 miles one-way
• Use: Heavy
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
• Beginning Elevation: 9,000 feet
• Ending Elevation: 11,400 feet
• Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
• USGS QUADS: El Valle, Truchas Peak