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

Hope Creek Trail is perhaps the most scenic trail on the Del Norte District. It goes from timbered areas along the creek to high alpine areas at the base of Sawtooth Mountain.

Access:

From south Fork, travel 11 miles west on Highway 160 to the Big Meadows Road then 3 miles toward shaw Lake (Road #430) to the Hope Creek Trailhead.

Attractions & Considerations:

Hope Creek Trail is perhaps the most scenic trail on the Del Norte District. It goes from timbered areas along the creek to high alpine areas at the base of Sawtooth Mountain. The first three miles, up to the Weminuche Wilderness boundary, are on a gentle incline along the creek. The trail then climbs more steeply, alternately passing through meadows and spruce timbers stand s. From several locations, the view across Hope Creek to the bowls of Mount Hope, other mountains on the Continental Divide and mountain ranges far away is splendid. The last 1/2 miles of the trail is above timberline and also offers magnificent scenery.