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Rio Grande National Park
Elevation: 10.800 - 12,700 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The trail provides good hiking access to Wheeler Geologic Area, Halfmoon pass, and the La Garita Wilderness. Beautiful views and unique geologic features are the main attractions of this trail.Decent camping areas are not hard to find.
Two segments of the trail area are driveable with 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Opportunities for fishing exist in East Bellows Creek.
Trail allows for a good overnight backpack visit to Wheeler Geologic Area.
Domestic sheep may be seen grazing during the summer months.
After arriving at Hanson’s Mill, those planning to hike to Wheeler Geologic Area should follow the 4-wheel drive road heading in a northeasterly direction. After approximately 1/4 mile, this road will fork. Follow the left (west) fork of the road for about 1 mile down into the East Bellows Creek drainage. The foot trail will begin just before this road reaches the Creek. Shortly after the trail begins, it will cross East Bellows Creek. The old sheep bridge is no longer useable, so hikers may get their feet wet. Crossings in the early summer can be dangerous. After the creek crossing, the trail will head up the west fork of East Bellows Creek (Canon Nieve). In approximately 1/2 mile, the trail will fork. This junction is signed. Take the trail fork heading west for the best traveling to Wheeler. The trail will make a grudual climb through open parks and scattered timber patches before joining the 4-wheel drive access road to Wheeler. Follow the road west for about 1 mile to its end at a pole fence in a small meadow below Wheeler Geologic Area.
The unique, picturesque features of the geologic area are about 1/4 to 1/2 mile north from the end of the road. The foot trail to Wheeler will quickly meet the West Bellows Creek Trail. Follow the sign directions and continue up West Bellows Creek Trail. Just before reaching the lower base of the geologic formations, you will come to the junction of this trail with the Wheeler- Wason Trail #789. Take the trail fork that heads north and in 150 yards you will be at the base of the beautiful Wheeler Geologic formations. The trail continues past a shelter house (Be sure to stop and sign your name in the guest register!), through a stand of timber, and climbs above the formations. Some magnificent views are available before one conquers the crest of the La Garita Mountains at Halfmoon pass.
