Flint Creek Trail
Flint Creek Trail #527 is located deep in the Weminuche Wilderness and connects the Pine River trail #523 and Rock Creek trail #655. The trail travels along steep switchbacks, high tundra, and level terrain along Flint Creek. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. There are excellent views and photographic possibilities. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly, bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail—at any time of year. Plan accordingly.
- Distance (one-way): 8.4 miles
- Maximum elevation: 12,000 feet (junction with Rock Creek trail)
- Minimum elevation: 9,240 feet (junction with Pine River trail)
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Water is available in Pine River, Flint Creek and Flint Lakes; purification recommended.
This trail is located in the Weminuche Wilderness. Please review the Weminuche Wilderness Regulations for full list of regulations and restrictions. Regulations include:
- Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted.
- Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes).
- Flying drones is not permitted over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide.
- Group size is limited to 15 people.
- Combination of people and stock = 25.
- Dogs under control.
- No unattended campfires.
- Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source.
- Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land.
- Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations.
- Practice leave no trace ethics.
Address: 367 Pearl Street Bayfield, CO 81122
Phone: (970) 884-2512
Hours: Friday only, 10:00am-4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
To access Flint Creek Trail, start at Pine River Trailhead and hike the Pine River trail approximately 12 miles to the junction with Flint Creek Trail. Directions to Pine River Trailhead are below.
From Bayfield, CO: Head north on County Road (CR) #501, Vallecito Road, for 22 miles around Vallecito Reservoir. Turn left on the Pine River turnoff , FS #602. Take the road 3.8 miles to the Pine River Campground.
From Durango, CO: Head N. on Florida Rd (CR #240) for 14 miles. Continue on CR #240 for 2 miles past the turnoff for Lemon Reservoir. Turn north onto CR #501. Turn left on the Pine River turnoff , FS #602. Take the road 3.8 miles to the Pine River Campground.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
No fishing is allowed along the first 2.7 miles of the Pine River trail, but from the Wilderness boundary to the Continental Divide, the river offers some of the finest fly-fishing found anywhere. They include rainbows, brookies, browns, and cutthroats. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc.