South Fork Archuleta Trail #750

The South Fork Archuleta (#750) trail is 3.6 miles long. It begins at Archuleta Trail (#839) and ends at the Continental Divide Trail (CDT, #813).

This trail is entirely within the Weminuche Wilderness and the main attractions are the Spruce Lakes and the Continental Divide. The trail is very difficult to follow, heading through thick patches of down timber and open parks where the trail fades. Route finding skills and a map are strongly recommended.

The Spruce Bark Beetle heavily affects this area; please use caution if camping or traveling through this area as dead and damaged trees present serious hazards.

The trail is entirely within the Weminuche Wilderness. Permitted uses: Foot Travel and Horseback Travel, this trail is impassable to horse travel in its current condition and extremely challenging for hikers.

Current Conditions

This trail is not regularly maintained and is extremely difficult to follow. There are many downed trees along this trail and, in its current condition, is not the recommended route to reach the Continental Divide Trail (CDT, #813). Due to the number of trees down and the difficulty of navigation, this trail is extremely challenging for hikers and route finding is required. This trail is impassible to horseback riders.

It is recommended that travelers wishing to visit Spruce Lakes begin at Lobo Overlook and follow the CDT. A loop hike from Big Meadows Reservoir is NOT recommended at this time.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

No Motorized Vehicles

Getting There

Directions

Directions from Del Norte, Colorado: Travel 27.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 160 to Forest Road # 410. Take FR # 410 west for 1.4 miles to "Y" intersection (Forest Rd. 410). Bear right onto Rd. 430 and go 0.3 miles into boat ramp. Travel up the Archuleta Trail 3 miles. The cut-off takes off to the south for Spruce Lakes.Directions from South Fork, Colorado: Travel west on U.S. Highway 160 8.0 miles to Forest Road # 410. Take FR # 410 west for 1.4 miles to "Y" intersection (Forest Rd. 410). Bear right onto Rd. 430 and go 0.3 miles into boat ramp. Travel up the Archuleta Trail 3 miles. The cut-off takes off to the south for Spruce Lakes.