WAGON WHEEL TRAIL
Located in the Flat Tops Wilderness, the Wagon Wheel Trail is named after the carts that ferried goods from near Heart Lake down to the original logging camps in the area.
High up, above Glenwood Canyon on the Flat Tops are miles of prime Colorado hiking terrain. The Wagon Wheel Trail, which follows Wagon Wheel Creek, is an excellent choice and one that features classic alpine scenery including aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers and streams, lakes and ponds for fishing. The Flat Tops is also home to a large and thriving population of deer and elk herds. Other large animals that share the ecosystem here include black bear and mountain lion, though they are rarely seen. Because this area is remote, purchasing topographic maps of the area before heading out is highly recommended. Hikers are advised to take a four-wheel drive vehicle to the trail-head.
• Uses: Hiking, horseback riding
• Length: 9.2 miles out and back
• Ability Rating: Moderate
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/hiking
• Usage: Light
• Dogs permitted
Take I-70 east to Dotsero, follow the signs for Sweetwater/Burns onto the Colorado River Road, turn left onto Coffee Pot Road and follow for 27 miles.
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