Rio Grande National Forest

USDA Forest Service
Rio Grande
National Forest
1803 W. Highway 160
Monte Vista, CO 81144
719-852-5941

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-852-6271

Excellent views of Creede and several historic mines provided along the first 2 miles of this trail. Breathtaking scenery is enjoyed while standing at Inspiration Point.

Access:

See trail beginning above. Check with local police or Forest Service on where to park vehicles.

Attractions & Considerations:

Excellent views of Creede and several historic mines provided along the first 2 miles of this trail. Breathtaking scenery is enjoyed while standing at Inspiration Point.

Be sure to carry water for the tongue-dragging climb from Creek to Inspiration Point. Water is scarce across the 10-mile open area of Wason Park.

Good camping opportunities are generally not available until one reaches the Wason Park Area.
The trail is easy to follow, with a well-defined tread. Access to the Wheeler Geologic Area and the La Garita Wilderness is possible via this trail. Large, open alpine meadows with scattered patches of spruce-fir timber are a common part of the landscape once hikers reach Wason Park.
New mining activity may obliterate sections of the trail from Creede to Inspiration Point.
Intense lightning storms occur in this area during the summer rainy season.

Narrative:

Beginning at the trailhead just below the Baptist Church property in Creede, the trail begins with a steep, hard climb it Inspiration Point. The climb includes a number of switchbacks, and upon entering tree line above Creede, traverses numerous loose rockslide areas. From Inspiration Point, the trail follows the ridge between the Dry Gulch and East Willow Drainages. At the head of Dry Gulch, the trail enters an open burn area. The trail passes through the burn area and begins a short climb onto the west end of Wason Park. After wandering for about a mile through open parks and scattered patches of spruce and fir, the trail enters the vast openness of Wason Park. The trail traverses the rolling meadows of Wason Park for about 2.5 to 3 miles. The La Garita Mountains rise to the north of Wason Park and as one approaches the junction of the Farmers Creek Trail #801, the Wheeler Geologic Area can be seen in the distance. After meeting the Farmers Creek Trail, the Wason-Wheeler Trail will cross several of the upper tributaries of West Bellows Creed. The trail goes a short way and then enters a fairly dense stand of old-growth timber. After a distance of approximately ½ miles, the trail meets with the trail that travels through the Wheeler Geologic formations.