Bristol Head via Forest Service Road 532
15.6 mi
Distance
8 hrs 33 min
Time
terrain
2,635 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult one way trail to Bristol Head in Rio Grande National Forest.
This trail goes by North Clear Creek Falls.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
I rate this 5 stars based on the views you have of the Rio Grande River Valley and the surrounding mountains that make up the Creede Caldera. Usually you will encounter a herd of Big Horn Sheep in the upper elevations of the trail but we didn’t encounter any on this trip. Take the side trip up to Crystal Lake if you have the time. It is a beautiful little alpine lake. The trail is well graded for the first 8 miles to the fork where it splits to go to Bristol Head or to Crystal Lake. From the fork the road becomes less well graded and rough but nothing that a higher clearance vehicle can’t handle. About a quarter mile from the summit, the trail becomes very rocky for a short stretch. Slow speed and tire placement will get you through the rocky section without problems. The only detractor of the trip is that you have to come down the same way you came up. Make the time to stop and see North Clear Creek Falls. You will not be sorry you did.
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