Hossick Trail
Hossick Trail (585) connects Weminuche Trail (592) and Cimarrona Trail (568) in the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail also leads to Hossick Lake which is a short distance off of the trail. The amount of vertical ascent (over 4,000′) and descent on the Hossick Trail make it one of the more challenging hikes in the Weminuche Wilderness.
To reach the trail, hikers can start from Poison Park Trailhead, take Weminuche Trail (592) approximately 2.3 miles to the trail junction at the corner of fenced private land. Turning east at this junction the trail begins a switchback ascent with grades up to 15% to the wilderness boundary and the crossing of Hossick Creek. This is a difficult crossing in early season. At 3.5-miles the trail levels into a large basin at the head of Hossick Creek with views to Cimarrona Peak (12,577 feet). The creek is nearby for most of the ascent to the junction.
Climbing out of the basin, ascend the headwall and meets the Hossick Lake Trail (602) at 4.1-miles. To reach the lake, follow this trail less than a mile to the lake proper ascending an additional 280′ over precipitous cliffs that are in front of the cirque basin where the lake is located.
Returning to the junction, the trail continues another 1.5-miles to the junction with the Cimarrona Trail (586). This route passes a jagged, volcanic knife edge pass before descending to a small basin.
- Distance (one-way): 6.4 miles
- Minimum elevation: 8,490 feet
- Maximum elevation: 12,340 feet
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
This trail is crosses into the Weminuche Wilderness. Please review the Wilderness Regulations for full list of regulations and restrictions. Regulations include:
- 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.
- Possession of motorized equipment and mechanized means of transport are not permitted.
- Please check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations.
- Do not fly drones over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide.
- Practice Leave-No-Trace ethics.
Address: 180 Pagosa Street Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone: (719) 851-7377
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8am - 12pm; 1pm - 4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.PagosaRD@usda.gov
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Poison Park Trailhead - vault toilet is available.
To reach the trail, hikers can start from either:
- Poison Park Trailhead and hike 2.3 miles along Weminuche Trail (592) to the junction with Hossick Trail, or
- Cimarrona Trailhead and hike 6.4 miles along Cimarrona Trail (568) to the junction with Hossick Trail.
Directions
Poison Park Trailhead
From downtown Pagosa Springs, travel west on US Highway 160 to Piedra Road (CR 600/FR 631). Go 22 miles on Piedra Road, then right on Williams Creek Road (NFSR 640). Proceed 3.5 miles and then turn left on (FR 644). Go 3 miles to the trailhead at road’s end.
Cimarrona Trailhead
From downtown Pagosa Springs, travel west on US Highway 160 to Piedra Road (County Road 600/NFSR 631). Turn north and go approximately 22 miles on Piedra Road, then turn right on Williams Creek Road (NFSR 640). At 4.1 miles, the trailhead is on the left side of road just past the entrance to Cimarrona Campground.
