Treasure Mountain Trail near Pagosa Springs
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Rating: Technical
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Distance: 6.2 miles
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Elevation
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Starting: 11,200 ft
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Ending: 8,170 ft
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Loss: 3,030 ft
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Road Status: Upper: Wolf Creek Road (FR725), Lower: East Fork Road (FR667)
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Trail: Treasure Mountain (565)
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Trailhead Directions:
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Notes: A 2 car shuttle is necessary. The high elevation terrain may hold snow until mid-June. Deadfall can clog the trail until it's cleared generally at the end of June There are several narrow spots with exposure within the 1st mile
The Treasure Mountain Trail offers the best downhill singletrack in the area, and it also has some of the best scenery. The trail begins near the summit of Wolf Creek Pass at an elevation of 11,200 feet and descends into the stunning East Fork Valley 3,000 feet below. The trail immediately offers great views of the Continental Divide before it passes through lush aspen forests and meadows.
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Like most downhill routes, most people shuttle it. Park one vehicle in the lower trailhead located 6.6 miles up East Fork Road (FR667). East Fork Road is rough in spots and has several small creek crossings, but 4WD is not required, although high clearance is recommended. The trailhead is located on private property so please be respectful.
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Drive the 2nd vehicle up Wolf Creek Pass to Wolf Creek Road (FR725). The road is in good shape initially but deteriorates quickly so 4WD is needed. After 1.9 miles, take a right on FR725C and bounce 2.6 miles to its end near the trailhead (Google Maps won't quite take you all the way there). When the road ends, you will need to ride that last 100 yards up to the trail sign.
Enjoy the stunning view from the trailhead before dropping into the first of several narrow technical sections. Then you'll pass through the upper portion of 2013, the Windy Pass Fire (part of the West Fork Complex Fire). The charred forest has an apocalyptic appearance, but the trail is still in good shape and now has better mountain views. The narrow trail descends rapidly through the subalpine and crosses several small streams.
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After descending a thrilling 1500 feet in the first 2.3 miles, the trail enters a green meadow with big views. Bypass the trail sign at the Windy Pass Trail junction and continue down the meadow. After the meadow, the slope of the trail decreases as you pass through lush, rooty aspen forests. There are 2 larger stream crossings, one of which will eat your bike. You will encounter a stock gate, so make sure to close it behind you. During the last mile, the forest transitions into an open ponderosa pine stand with occasional views of the East Fork of the San Juan River. Too bad there's not a chair lift back to the top!
