Lone Pine #862

The Lone Pine Trail #862 begins at an intersection with the Throughline Trail #860 and ends at an intersection with the Sink Creek Trail #861. It involves a fairly arduous climb, but offers solitude, abundant deer, good fishing for pan size trout and excellent views near its terminus. The first mile is the most confusing through dense aspen stands. The tread way is good but not well marked. Beyond that the route is generally open and parallels a creek for 2 miles, there are three creek crossings in this stretch of the trail. Excellent views are afforded as the trail contours a ridge and crosses several ravines. Near the top the trail reenters a spruce-fir forest. The entire route is in the West Elk Wilderness.

General Information

May

Open to hiking and horseback riding.

Getting There

Elevation

10,000 ft

Directions

From Crawford: Turn east onto Dogwood Ave. and continue straight. After approximately 0.9 miles, Dogwood Ave. turns into Needle Rock Road. At approximately 2.3 miles, Needle Rock Road intersects 4200 Road, turn right and stay on Needle Rock Road. After passing the Needle Rock and the Smith Fork Ranch, the road will cross Smith Fork Creek and a cattle guard over Cow Creek which enters National Forest where Needle Rock Rd. becomes Forest Service Road #712. Continue to approximately 8.3 miles and the intersection with Forest Service Road #714, Virginia Creek Road. FSR #714 veers to the right at the National Forest Access sign. Continue for another 0.9 miles where there is a sign on Virginia Creek Road for the Through Line and Sink Creek trails, stay to the left. There is an orange gate and parking for truck and trailers, pass through the gate and the trailhead is about four tenth of a mile further. Follow the Throughline Trail #860 for 2.5 miles to the intersection with the Lone Pine Trail.