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Routt National Forest
Available for hiking and horseback riding,
the 14 mile Main Fork Trail follows the North Fork of the Elk River for
the first half of the trail (when beginning from access #1). Two
unimproved trails leave Main Fork Trail to the left. One continues up the
North Fork and offers views of Sawtooth Range, Mt. Zirkel and 2
waterfalls
on it's way on the east slope of the Continental Divide. The trail
continues north along the Encampment River into the North Park District of
Routt National Forest. Dropping onto the eastern side of the Continental
Divide, you enter the Encampment Meadows. |
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On the eastern side 4 forks are encountered, the first on
the left will lead up to Gem Lake. The 2nd on the right will lead into the
Seven Lakes area. The 3rd will lead to West Fork Lake. Staying right on
Main Fork Trail the 4th fork is reached which will lead to Stump Park.
Keeping left, Main Fork Trail will continue into Hag Park with about 7
miles remaining to the trailhead. Main Fork Trail offers
two access points:
- Travel west of Steamboat about 2 miles and turn north onto CR 129
and travel for about 25 miles to Seedhouse Road (FR 400). Travel east
about 11 miles to Lost Dog Road #433. Travel along #433 to Diamond Park
Road (north) and travel about 1.5 miles to the trailhead. Trailers are
not recommended between Lost Dog Road and Diamond Park Road as 2 miles
of this road is steep and winding.
- Travel west along CR 6W from Cowdrey Colorado, past Pearl and turn
left onto CR 6B toward Hog Park Reservoir. Continue west to Commissary
Park passing the Forest boundary. Turn left just past Encampment River
bridge and continue past the Guard Station. Stay left as Ellis Trail 4WD
road branches to the right. After fording the West Fork the road
branches again. Go left and continue 2 miles to the trailhead, crossing
the Main Fork one time in the processes
Jackson County Colorado
Routt County Colorado
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