Wetterhorn Basin #226
The Wetterhorn Basin Trail #226 begins at the end of Forest Service Road #860, West Fork Road, and ends at Forest Service Road #870. This trail is a popular and very scenic route leading into a remote part of the Uncompahgre Wilderness. The trail starts in open meadow surrounded by spruce/fir and ascends into an open basin in the upper West Fork. It then switchbacks, climbing steeply to the top of Wetterhorn Pass. After the first mile, the trail travels above timberline. There are specular views of Wetterhorn Peak rising 14,015 feet and Coxcomb Peak rising 13,656 feet as well as the Cow Creek drainage. Most of this trail is within the Uncompahgre Wilderness where Wilderness Regulations apply.
General Information
Getting There
Elevation
12,522 ft
Directions
From the traffic light in Ridgeway, travel 2 miles north on Hwy 550 to County Road 10, Owl Creek Pass Road. Continue east CR 10 approximately 15.8 miles to Owl Creek Pass, and over the pass 0.3 mile to Forest Service Road #860, West Fork Road. Turn right and drive approximately 3.4 miles to the end (4WD). The road crosses the West Fork of the Cimarron River at 2.7 miles. At the end of the road, the trailhead sign can be seen about 80 yards to the southeast. Parking is available at the end of the road.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restroom information is not currently available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
