San Isabel National Forest
North Taylor Trail #1348

The North Taylor Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.4 miles (once you get on the trail itself) that goes up into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness and ends at Megan Lake. I hear the fishing is reasonable. The recommended season to use this trail is summer and fall. Wilderness rules and regs apply.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 9,800'
• High Point: 12,120'
• Trail ending: 12,120'

Access: Go north out of Westcliffe on State Highway 69 to County Road 170 (maybe half a mile from the north end of town) and go west on 170 for about 5 miles. At the fork in the road, go left and follow the Forest Service signs for Gibson Creek. Take a right at the next sign (onto County Road 172) and go 3 miles almost to the end of the road at the Gibson Creek parking area. Just before the Gibson Creek parking area, go left onto FR #173. FR #173 gets steep really quick and then ends at the Rainbow Trail crossing (actually, this road may require 4WD and high clearance so think about it...)

Notes: The North Taylor Trail follows North Taylor Creek up the hill into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness and ends at Megan Lake (12,120'). Megan Lake is directly below Rito Alto Peak (13,794') in the glacier carved valley.

USGS Maps: Horn Peak, Rito Alto Peak