Wagonwheel Gap to Bristol Head — South Fork Rio Grande High Basin via Creede Backcountry
Bristol Head and silver ruins above the Rio Grande.
The South Fork of the Rio Grande doesn’t get the same overland traffic as the Alpine Loop corridors to the west, which is exactly why this route deserves your attention. Starting off US-149 near Wagonwheel Gap, you climb into Rio Grande National Forest on Forest Road 600, threading through narrow volcanic canyon walls before the road opens onto high sage benches with Bristol Head’s 12,706-foot flat-topped mesa dominating the skyline. The route skirts the edge of Weminuche Wilderness, passes the Equity Mine ruins — a genuine ghost of the 1880s silver rush — and tops out near Shallow Creek in subalpine parkland that most San Juan visitors never see.
This is a moderate high-clearance route, not a technical crawler — rocky shelf sections and creek crossings near the Equity Mine area demand a truck or SUV with solid ground clearance and all-terrain tires, but it’s not a locker situation under normal dry conditions. Best run July through September before early season snow closes the upper benches. No permit required. Fuel in Creede before you leave — the nearest pump is 40 miles away. Dispersed camping throughout the national forest. Expect no cell service above the canyon floor. The payoff: genuine solitude in a basin with views that rival the Alpine Loop at half the traffic.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Creede, CO |
| Land manager | Rio Grande National Forest — Divide Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Rio Grande National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this without any mods?
Yes — a stock 4WD high-clearance rig is the minimum, and a bone-stock 4Runner or Wrangler will manage the route. Low-profile cars, crossovers, and 2WD trucks have no business here; the rocky sections and loose gravel above 10,000 feet will find your skid plates fast if you don't have them.
When does the trail typically open and is snow a real problem?
July through September is the reliable window — snowpack above 10,000 feet can linger into late June and early October storms roll in fast. Don't count on access before the Fourth of July without checking recent conditions with the Divide Ranger District directly.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp out here?
No permit required for dispersed camping or driving the route through Rio Grande National Forest. Standard Leave No Trace rules apply — camp 100 feet from water, pack out everything, and don't expect a fee station because there isn't one.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The rocky climb toward the Bristol Head basin is where things get honest — loose embedded rock, off-camber shelf road, and no guardrails with exposure on one side. It's not extreme, but a distracted driver or bald tires will have a bad afternoon up there.
Are the water crossings actually deep, and where do I refuel — Creede or further out?
The South Fork Rio Grande crossings are typically shallow and manageable in July–September, but early summer runoff can push them thigh-deep on foot — check conditions locally before committing. Gas up in Creede before you leave; it's the last reliable fuel stop and the route's 28 miles of backcountry leaves zero margin for running low.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.