San Isabel National Forest
St. Charles Trail #1326

The St. Charles Trail runs north-south through the central Wet Mountains and is rated as moderately difficult. The area around St. Charles Peak itself sees lots of traffic in the summer and fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 9,200'
• High Point: 11,200'
• Trail ending: 8,200'

Access: The northern trailhead is in the Lion Park area, about 1.8 miles south of Bishop's Castle. The southern trailhead is at the confluence of Amethyst Creek and St. Charles Creek, at the west end of the Lake Isabel Recreation Area.

Notes: From the northern trailhead, the St. Charles Trail works its way up to the west and wraps around the western edge of the St. Charles Peak summit "block" before heading south. The trail follows Beaver Creek for a short distance before rising again and crossing the ridge into the Amethyst Creek drainage, which it follows down to the lower trailhead. This is a beautiful hike through a lush aspen and pine forest with great views.

There is also a spur trail from the east end of FR 335, off of the Greenhorn Mountain Road, that gives easy access to those just wanting to climb St. Charles Peak (11,784').

USGS Maps: St. Charles Peak