By:
Submission
Campgrounds still open between September and May have no services (water, electric, trash pick up or rest rooms). Please keep them clean and pack it out. Thanks! Four miles beyond Middle Mountain Campground, at the end of Forest Rd. 602, is the Pine River Campground, at the Pine River Trailhead. This primitive campground has a parking area with hitching posts and a turn-around parking area for trailers, but no corral. There is no potable water. All 6 campsites have views up the Pine River Valley. Private land is adjacent, with no public access to the river until three miles up the trail. Campsites accommodate only tents or small RVs. The Pine River Trail crosses private land for 3 miles before reaching the Weminuche Wilderness. Respect private property, and leave gates as you find them. The trail is very popular with horseback riders and follows the Pine River for 6 miles to intersect with the Lake Creek Trail, which leads steeply uphill to Emerald Lake. Mountain bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the Wilderness Area.
Directions from Bayfield, Colorado: Travel 22 miles north on County Road 501 to the turnoff for Middle Mountain Campground. Continue right on Forest Road 602 for 5 miles to the campground entrance.
This is a lovely hike. However, there is no creek, waterfall, etc. at 1.5 miles. The first ~3 miles from the trailhead run along the fence of a ranch. There are beautiful views up and down the valley. Then you hit the Weminuche Wilderness, the river, etc. Families should be aware of the distance when taking small children.
Probably the most beautiful hike I have ever been on. The trail meanders though groves of Aspen trees next to a mountain meadow of wild flowers backed by towering peaks. 1.5 miles in it crosses a stream with a small waterfall and log bridge. Perfect day hike for a family with small children.
A beautiful trail. We did a day trip, out and back. The river shows up after 2.75 miles and is lovely!
