Wheeler Geologic Area
Wheeler Geologic Area is part of the La Garita Wilderness, within this area you will find many trails, some nearby peaks over 13,000 ft and expansive views. Located near the old mining town of Creede, CO, Wheeler is accessible by a 7-mile hike or a rough 14-mile four-wheel drive road. Your efforts are rewarded by views of a remarkable geologic formation of moderately coarse volcanic tuff eroded into many different shapes.
ALERT! We strongly advise you to plan a whole (long) day trip in order to travel into Wheeler, enjoy the formations, and then get back out. It is not a short, easy trip. The road is extremely rough with deep ruts, narrow turns, and some steep hills. High clearance 4x4 vehicles or ATVs are recommended. This road is not recommended for travel during monsoonal storms.
The road into Wheeler travels through the La Garita wilderness. Vehicles must stay on the designated road.
Restrooms are available at Hansen Mill.
There are no restrooms or trash cans at Wheeler. Pack it in, pack it out.
General Information
Check before you visit. Forest Road #600 from Hansen Mill to Wheeler is often one of the last roads to open on the Forest and first to close. There may be closures during wet periods. Check our Road Status page or call the Divide Ranger District at 719-657-3321.
In addition to East Bellows Creek Trail # 790, from Hansen Mill and Wason- Wheeler Trail #789 from north of Creede, there are several trails that either lead to Wheeler or from Wheeler further into the La Garita Wilderness.
Check out related trails: West Bellows Trail #871, Halfmoon Pass Trail # 912, Machin Basin Trail # 784, Middle Fork Trail #783 and Middle Fork Cutoff Trail # 888.
At the end of the Wheeler Road #600 there are several dispersed campsites for the public to use. You are not allowed to camp or have campfires inside the area of the formations. Dispersed camping is allowed at Hansen Mill site located just south of the East Bellows Creek trailhead.
Check out the Wheeler Geologic Area as it is featured in "Stories in Stone" on our National Minerals & Geology Management page.
Wheeler Geologic Area is open seasonally during the summer. The road may occasionally be closed during the rainy season. Please check with the Divide Ranger District at 719-657-3321 before departing for Wheeler Geologic Area.
In the winter, the road is closed to wheeled vehicles and may be gated for spring road closures.
Open year around but usually snowed in with poor access from November through May. Access Roads via Pool Table Road 600. Road is extremely rough with deep ruts. High clearance vehicle (jeep with winch) or ATV recommended.
No camping or campfires allowed within the area of the formations.
This can be bear country. Remain "Bear Aware" and store food properly while camping.
No fees are required for this site
Contact Name: Divide Ranger District
Contact Phone: 719-657-3321
Address: 13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Phone: (719) 657-3321
Hours: Monday through Friday / 9:00 to 3:30 (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.87180709
Longitude: -106.7873333
Directions
From Creede, CO: Travel approximately 8 miles south on Hwy 149 (toward South Fork) to Forest Road #600 (Pool Table Road). Turn left onto the dirt road and go 9.8 miles to Hansen Mill. This road is generally passible with passenger vehicles. Beyond Hansen Mill, Forest Road #600 continues but should only be driven with high clearance 4x4 vehicles or OHVs.
From South Fork: Travel approximately 10 miles north on Hwy 149 (toward Creede) to the Forest Road #600 (Pool Table Road). Turn right and follow the instructions above.
Parking
Parking at Hansen Mill may be limited on busier days.
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
