In the hills and mountains which surround the San Luis Valley, each canyon,
each drainage, each curve is an adventure. Follow a creek, follow
a ridge, make a summit, swim in a lake, stir up the grouse, breathe
the fresh air, marvel at the quiet, the stillness, the magnificence.
With a cursory inspection, the San Luis Valley could seem like a dry, inhospitable,
place. And people often find that which they have convinced themselves
to find. And there is much more ... For starters, an immediate contradiction
to the dryness of the valley is the incredible aquifer of water just beneath
the surface of the valley. The water is the lifeblood of the farmers and
ranchers. The water springs warm (often from deep wells) to soothe the
soakers at the hot springs. The water runs cold and clear from the high
mountain lakes. Such is the theme for discovery here, the paradox of life,
manifest in everything. Incredible wonders are hidden to the eye who does
not rest long enough to see. And for those who take the time to stay, to
stand still, to quiet their mind and to come to know, experience and appreciate,
the San Luis Valley is place of subtle and unique treasures...
The specific focus of this article will be on the treasures of the
mountain trails, mostly, those in the Crestone / Baca area, with
mention of a few
other favorites around the valley.
1. North Crestone Creek - Crestone Colorado
2. Willow / South Crestone Creek - Crestone Colorado
3. Spanish Creek - Crestone, Colorado
4. Cottonwood Creek - Crestone, Colorado
5. The Dunes Summary
Crestone:
Sangre de Cristo, the blood of Christ, the name of the Rocky Mountain
Range that runs to the East of Crestone. So named by Spanish for
the mountains
jagged resemblance to a crown of thorns drenched in blood with the
setting sun. The description is passionate, as in the Passion of
Christ. The description
is spiritual. The description is ominous. No doubt, such a combination
is inescapably - meaningful.
This, the west slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is one of the steepest in all the Rocky Mountains. The trails described herein follow suit with steep ascents and well groomed but arduous trails. In the Crestone Area we have 3 major trail heads and 4 major trails: North Crestone, Willow / South Crestone and Cottonwood Creek. All of these trails, except Spanish, lead to lakes. On the average, the trails begin at about 8,300 to 8,800 feet. Hikes to the lakes are a full day commitment and full safety precautions for the frequently experienced inclement weather, provisions for water in surplus, sunscreen, excellent foot gear, and head lamp or flashlight in case caught after dark are strongly encouraged.
These trails leads only into the Rio Grande Wilderness Area, so motorized vehicles, mountain bikes, hang gliders, etc. are forbidden. Access is by foot and horseback only.
1. North Crestone
The trail offers excellent possibilities for extended backpacking
or just a good day hike from the campground. The trail is well
marked and regularly
maintained.
Attractions include fishing in the creek and lake, excellent scenery,
waterfalls, and the possibility of encounters with bighorn sheep, bears
and mountain
lions.
North Crestone Lake Trail head (forest service trail 744) is located
just north of the town of Crestone. There is a paved road to the
National
Forest boundary.
Immediately inside the Forest a beautiful creek-side camping / fishing
area accommodates drive-up campers. The trail head itself is another
mile up the gravel road, deep
within the pines of the canyon.
The trail leads eastward into the mountains, within the North Crestone
Creek drainage. A fair distance along this trail (at about 9,760
feet) are branching
trails which lead to Groundhog Basin, Venable Pass, Phantom Terrace
and North Crestone Lake, in the valley between Fluted Peak and Mount
Adams.
Further along the North Crestone Trail is the North Crestone Loop Trail, (number 746), which begins somewhere around 9,750 feet, gains 2,960 feet to reach a maximum of 12,720. The trail exists as a connector between Comanche Lake and the North Crestone drainage. The trail completes the circuit from the North Fork Crestone Trail and Phantom Terrace. The trail offers spectacular viewing near Phantom Terrace.
Directions to North Crestone Creek trail head: Highway 17 to Moffat. County Road T to Crestone. From Crestone, find the only paved road that continues to the North and follow this to North Crestone Campground. The trail begins at the end of the road at the east end of the campground.