Good fishing is possible in the lower 4.0 miles of Pole Creek. A series of small waterfalls, natural arches and crystal clear pools can be viewed on Pole Creek, about 0.25 mile south of the junction with West Pole Creek. The falls are not visible from the trail, but the sound of falling water can be heard if you listen carefully. Turn west off the main trail and take the short side trip fro the trail to the creek to see the falls and arches. Good camping places are available along the lower 4.0 miles of this trail. Camping can be without wood or tree cover for 2.5 miles below the Continental Divide on La Garita Stock Driveway Trail 787. Domestic sheep graze the upper area near the Continental Divide. Cattle occasionally graze the lower east slope of Pole Creek. After entering a scattered patch of spruce/fir about 1/4 mile from the Stony Pass Road the trail begins to enter the wide open parks that characterize the Pole Creek Valley to its end at the intersection of La Garita Stock Driveway Trail 787.
Directions from Creede, Colorado: Travel south on Colorado Highway 149 for 20.1 miles to Forest Development Road # 520 (Rio Grande Reservoir/Upper Rio Grande Road). Go approximately 23.5 miles on Forest Road 520. The last 5.7 miles of this road is a 4-wheel-drive road. The trailhead is located just before the road crossing at Pole Creek.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
May through September .
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