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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.

Trail Details

• 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

Parking

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.

MORE AREA HIKING TRAILS

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Visit Glenwood Springs

Hanging Lake winter hiking reservations are  available through April 30, 2024. The US Forest Service has scheduled a rebuild of the Hanging Lake Trail that is set to begin this spring and last throughout the summer months. Reservations will be available at the discretion of the US Forest Service, continue to check this page for updates. Visit the Hanging Lake page HERE for more information and the booking portal. 

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