San Isabel National Forest
Coal Creek Trail #1394

The Coal Creek Trail is an obscure, unmaintained trail that is mostly used by hunters in season. The route is 3.5 miles long and is rated as difficult (because of the lack of maintenance). The trail also ends at a fence on the edge of private property, so the only way out is back up the hill.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 11,574'
• High Point: 11,574'
• Trail ending: 9,377'

Access: Either go to Purgatoire Campground (State Highway 12 to just south of North Lake, go west 4 miles to North Fork Trailhead parking area) and head up the North Fork Trail for about 3.5 miles to the Wildcat Trail, go east on Wildcat about 3/4 miles to junction with Coal Creek. Or, go to Blue Lake Campground (State Highway 12 to Cuchara River Recreation Area, go west on FR #422 for 4 miles, up the switchbacks above Blue Lake to the campground), turn left at the road junction (FR #436) and go uphill 1.5 miles to the North Fork Trailhead, then go south on North Fork about 1 mile to the Wildcat Trail, go east 3/4 miles to Coal Creek Trail junction.

Notes: This is a beautiful area in the high foothills just east of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo's. Bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, wild turkey... but the trail is difficult because it's overgrown and pretty much only sees use in hunting season.

USGS Maps: Trinchera Peak, Cucharas Pass