Continental Divide Trail - Weminuche Pass to Hunchback Pass

Animas River Drainage

Located within the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest, the 20.4 mile Weminuche Pass to Hunchback Pass section of the Continental Divide Trail is rated Moderate and receives Moderate to Heavy use. This section of the Continental Divide Trail begins at an elevation of 12,500' (At Hunchback Pass, 0.25 miles south of Kite Lake) and an ending elevation of 10,600' (At Weminuche Pass, about 4 miles South of the Rio Grande Reservoir). The trail from Hunchback Pass travels down a fairly steep 1 mile decent into the Vallecito Drainage before starting up Nebo Creek. About 0.5 miles up Nebo Creek the trail turns and passes through a flat open meadow below the towering ragged cliffs of Mount Nebo before reaching West Ute Lake.

After reaching the ridge above Main Ute Lake, the trail will make a steep winding ascent to the headwaters of the Rincon La Osa Drainage.

To reach this section of the Continental Divide Trail travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to Forest Development Road 520 (Upper Rio Grande River Road). Continue along FDR 520 for 26 miles to the Beartown Road #506 junction. Continue along Beartown Road to 0.25 miles below Kite Lake where the Continental Divide Trail #813 crosses the road. Hike 0.75 miles southwest to Hunchback Pass. A 4WD is required for access to the Kite Lake Area.

Hinsdale County Colorado

La Plata County Colorado

San Juan County Colorado