AMOUNT OF USE:  Light

DIFFICULTY:  Moderate

USGS TOPO MAPS: Little Cone, Beaver Park, Dolores Peak, and Groundhog Mountain

SUGGESTED USES: Hikers, horses, mechanized and motorized travel prohibited in designated wilderness areas. 

CONSIDERATIONS:  This new trail leads from Woods Lake to Road #611 near the Lone Cone Guard Station in Beaver Park.  Some good campsites are available with intermittent water and good shelter.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
The trail leaves the west end of Woods Lake Campground along the west side of Fall Creek and, after reaching the lake, climbs a ridge just to the west.  The trail follows the ridge through aspen woods to an old irrigation ditch, then along the old ditch for approximately 1/2 mile.  The trail crosses an old ditch and climbs to Hughes Ditch and follows is south for 1/2 mile then crosses it.  From the Hughes Ditch crossing, the trail begins a moderate climb up through aspen-covered benches.  Passing occasional small meadows and crossing a few small creeks, the trail works its way up toward higher ground and views of the Wilson Peaks and El Diente.  As it climbs higher, it traverses several steep open meadows and talus fields.  Eventually it switchbacks up through steeper conifer forest to a small pass between Flat Top Mountain and the Dolores Peaks.  From thew pass the trail ascends to the south, following a ridge for about 1/2 mile.  Then the trail drops off the ridge, and contours through several small meadows and talus fields.  Then it reenters the conifer forest next to a small lake.  Spectacular views of the Dolores Peaks above the trail to the west are visible during this whole stretch.  The trail then leaves the ridge and continues descending through scattered aspen groves.  The trail continues descending through scattered aspen groves and open meadows to an old road.  The trail follows the road for 3/4 mile down to a large meadow with a great view of the Lone Cone.  Follow the trail marker posts through the meadow to where the trail crosses East Beaver Creek.   From here, the trail generally follows the south of East Beaver Creek for two miles to a gate in a small meadow.  Pass through the gate (PLEASE CLOSE THE GATE) and follow a road for 1/2 mile.  The trail leaves the road and winds through aspens to an irrigation ditch.  Cross the ditch, pass through another gate and descend to Beaver Park Road #611 near the Lone Cone Guard Station.