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

Good camping places are not uncommon along this trail. Beautiful views of Pole Mountain, and vast panoramic views are possible once a hiker begins approaching the Continental Divide.

Access:

Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles, to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Rio Grande Reservoir/Upper Rio Grande Road), then approximately 16.5 miles on Road #520 to the Lost Trail Creek Trailhead. Hike approximately1.75 miles up Lost Trail Creek Trail #821 to the intersection of Trail #821 and West Lost Trail Creek Trail #822. Trail Junction is signed.

Attractions & Considerations:

Good camping places are not uncommon along this trail. Beautiful views of Pole Mountain, and vast panoramic views are possible once a hiker begins approaching the Continental Divide. This trail provides the shortest access to Cataract Lake from the Rio Grande River Drainage.
With a watchful eye, one can sometimes see bighorn sheep along the rugged ridges of Pole Mountain.
Good fishing is possible in the lower 4 miles of West Lost Trail Creek.
Cattle graze the lower portions of the West Lost Trail drainage, while domestic sheep can be seen grazing in the areas along the Continental Divide.

Narrative:

The trail begins at the confluence of West Lost Trail C reek and Lost Trail Creek. It travels at a gradual climb, paralleling the creek bottom for about 4 miles. The trail then enters a rather open patchy stand of spruce timber as it climbs toward the head of the West Lost Trail Creek drainage. A gradual climb of about 1 mile in distance brings one to the Continental Divide and access to Cataract Lake. The trail is well defined until about ½ mile before reaching the Continental Divide. Rock Cairns, trail post markers, and stock boundary signs help mark the travel route near the Divide. The junctions with Lost Trail Creek Trail, Cataract Lake Trail, and the La Garita Stock Driveway toward Pole Creek are not well signed.