San Isabel National Forest
Pass Creek Trail #1411

This 4-mile trail is rated as moderately difficult. Most traffic on the trail happens in the spring, summer and fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 9,600'
• High Point: 11,350'
• Trail ending: 11,350'

Access: Go west from Poncha Springs for 2 miles on US 50, then go south on County Road 210. About 1 mile down CR 210 is an intersection with CR 212. Take the right fork and go 3 more miles to the trailhead. The last mile to the trailhead requires 4WD and high clearance.

Notes: From the trailhead near some old mine tailings, the route heads southwest and over a small ridge, then drops down to Pass Creek. As you follow Pass Creek uphill, you'll pass some gorgeous beaver ponds with good brook trout fishing. As you approach Pass Creek Lake, the trail gets significantly steeper until you cross the lip of the basin where the lake sits, just below the ridge that defines the Continental Divide. The lake is almost surrounded by delicate wetlands but there are some great campsites well away from the lake shore and wet areas. The area sees very few overnight campers, though, no matter how good the fly fishing is...

USGS Maps: Mt. Ouray