At 10,859 feet, Wolf Creek Pass is the low point in the mountains between some of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes in the state. It is one of the few major road crossings on the CDT and is the major access point to the trail in southwestern Colorado. In this beautiful just-off-the-road hike, you get to walk along the longest mountain chain in the Rockies—the San Juans— with views of the South San Juans, a remote range known for landscapes unlike anywhere else on the CDT. Wolf Creek Pass ski area is nearby, and this hike will take you to Lobo Overlook, where you can see the famous and picturesque skiing site. Note that snow can linger in the San Juans until July. However, even in high snow years, this section tends to melt out and be passable by the third week of June. You will climb into the Weminuche Wilderness and about 0.5 miles later, descend to a low point that opens up into a meadow. From here, the CDT closely follows the Divide. Staying on the ridge, ascend back into the trees for about 1 mile. You will climb about 300 feet, sometimes on switchbacks, before contouring around 11,400 feet in elevation through light forest. You may cross a spring that forms the headwaters of a stream heading north. From there, the trail turns northwest, descending before reaching the southwestern shore of Rock Lake. This is a great spot to stop for lunch before returning to the trailhead. Note that this hike crosses into a wilderness area where bikes are not permitted.
Photo by Robert Walker