Spring Creek Pass West to Jarosa Mesa

Redcloud Peak and the peaks to the east

Hike a section of the Continental Divide/Colorado Trail from Spring Creek Pass to Jarosa Mesa for great views of the San Juan Range, including Uncompahgre Peak, Matterhorn Peak, Red Mountain, Redcloud Peak and Sunshine Peak.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

• Distance: 8.8 miles (round trip) to Spring Creek West to Jarosa Mesa
  
• Elevation: 10,898-ft. at Trailhead
  12,025-ft. at Spring Creek West to Jarosa Mesa
  
• Elevation Gain: 1,267-ft. to Spring Creek West to Jarosa Mesa
  
• Difficulty: moderate
• More Hikes in:
  Lake City / Southwest Colorado

Why Hike Spring Creek Pass West to Jarosa Mesa

A contiguous section of the Continental Divide and Colorado Trails (CDT/CT) crosses Highway 149 to the south of Lake City at Spring Creek Pass. The pass offers easy access to sections of the trails heading east to Snow Mesa and this trail, which heads west to Jarosa Mesa.

The CDT/CT to Jarosa Mesa initially travels along an undulating dirt road on easy to moderate grades. As you head west views open to the high peaks in the Weminuche Wilderness to the south/southwest along with Baldy Cinco and Baldy No Es Cinco atop Snow Mesa to the east.

Half way through the hike the CDT/CT leaves the road and follows a path that ascends on moderate grades to the top of Jarosa Mesa where stunning, panoramic views open to the high peaks of the San Juan Range. Prominent peaks visible from atop the mesa include Red Mountain, Uncompahgre Peak, the Matterhorn, Redcloud Peak, Sunshine Peak, Half Peak and the Rio Grande Pyramid, to name a few.

When you are done taking in the views retrace your steps to the trailhead. Views of Baldy Cinco and Baldy No Es Cinco keep your company for the return journey to Spring Creek Pass.

Elevation Profile

Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Lake City

Region Information:
Southwest Colorado

Other Hiking Regions in:
Colorado