Carson National Forest
Carson National Forest (575) 758-6200 | |
| |
Recreational Activities: Trails
Columbine Creek (Trail 71)
Location: Questa Ranger District
Trail Beginning: 8,000 feet
Trail Ending: 11,200 feet
In the summer months trail can be used for hiking, and horseback riding. Trail is used in the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Access:
From Taos, take SR 522 to Questa, turn right on State Road 38
at the traffic light. After about six miles, turn right at Columbine Campground.
Drive through the campground to the trailhead parking at the south end
of the campground. Drinking water and toilets are available at that end
of campground, near the trailhead parking. Please use the designated parking
for the trailhead. Parking in a campsite will result in a camping fee.
Description:
Trail begins at about 8,000 feet above sea level. The trail follows Columbine
Creek, crossing back and forth. Four wooden foot bridges are provided
for the first two miles of the trail. The first three miles of the trail
are easy to moderate. About four miles up the trail a steeper ascent to
the ridgeline begins, with switchbacks to control the grade. The trail
finally reaches the ridgeline at 11,200 feet, and a total, one-way trip
distance of almost 6 miles. The upper section is more difficult.
Columbine Trail also provides access to Deer Creek, Placer Creek, and Willow Fork trails, all routes to Gold Hill. The Deer Creek Trail is part of a designated National Recreation Trail system. At the top of the Columbine Trail on the ridgeline, it intersects the Gavilan Trail (Trail 60) which descends to the Hondo Canyon in about 1.5 miles, to Amizette.
Many stream crossings in Columbine may have high, swift water as the winter snow pack melts. Hiking with a partner is recommended. Snow drifts are common at higher elevations through June.
Attractions and Considerations: Beware of avalanche hazards.
Length: 8 miles
Use: light
Recommended Season: Summer and Fall for hiking and horseback,
and winter and early spring for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Difficulty: Beginner and intermediate for the first three
miles, after that it becomes expert terrain.
Elevation: Gains 3,200 feet
USGS QUADS: Questa
Pictures of Colulmbine Creek Trail
USDA Forest Service - Carson National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 28 April 2008 at 10:58:12 EDT