Trinchera
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| Maps: |
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| USGS 7.5' Map: |
Trinchera Peak |
| Statistics: |
| Difficulty: |
Number: |
Miles: |
Altitude: |
Obstacles: |
Time: |
| Easy 2 |
FR436 |
3.49 |
10,480 to 12,640 ft. |
NA |
2-3 hours |
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| County: |
Huerfano |
| Adopted by: |
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| Managed by: |
Pike and San Isabel National Forest,
San Carlos Ranger District |
3028 East Main Street
Canon City, CO 81212 |
(719)269-8500 |
| Summary: |
Trinchera is a rough road that climbs to a saddle below Trinchra Peak.
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| Attractions: |
Scenery, Trailhead
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Seasonal
Closure: |
Nature - Closed by snow.
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| Best Time: |
June - Still snowed in
July - Best
August - Best
September - Best
October - Watch for early snows |
Trail Heads
Accessed: |
North Fork, FT1309 - Hiking trail
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| Camping: |
There are dispersed sites at the start of the road and at the upper section of the road.
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| Base Camp: |
This would not be a good area to base camp. There are few other roads to explore.
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| Fall Colors: |
Poor - The road is on a north slope in mainly pine forest. |
| Navigation: |
From Trinidad, CO head southwest on E Main Street toward N Commercial Street for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto N Animas Street and go 0.2 miles. Continue onto University Street and go 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Prospect Street and go 0.1 miles. Prospect Street turns slightly right and becomes Stonewall Ave. Go 0.3 miles. Turn left onto San Juan Street and go 0.1 miles. Continue to follow CO-12 W for 6.8 miles. Continue straight to stay on CO-12 W and go 42.9 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road/County Road 422, the Blue Lake road and go 3.9 miles. Across from the campground entrance, turn left onto the Trinchera 4WD road, FR436.
From La Veta, CO, head south on S Main Street toward W Field Street for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto W Grand Ave and go 0.1 miles. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto CO-12 E/Oak Street. Continue to follow CO-12 E for 14.6 miles.
Turn right onto Forest Road/County Road 422, the Blue Lake road, and go 3.9 miles. Across from the campground entrance, turn left onto the Trinchera 4WD road, FR436.
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| History: |
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| Description: |
The road starts with some wide areas where off road vehicles can be unloaded. Continue to head uphill through the trees. There will be some small rises to climb before you get past the short spur road area. Once into the forest the road will continue to climb up hill doing switchbacks in some areas. The road will be rocky in spots with small ledges to climb every once in a while.
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Road at the start
Photo by:
Adam M
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You will pass a trail head for the North Fork hiking trail before the trees start to open up. There will be a few views of gulches through the trees as you keep heading up hill. Finally the road will come out above timberline with views to the west of Trinchera Peak.
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Switchbacks to the top of the saddle
Photo by:
Adam M
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As you continue above timberline the road will become more of a single lane. You will work your way around a short section of ledge road before dropping into a shallow gulch. The road will cross a shallow creek and then climb up two more switchbacks before getting to the saddle below Trinchera Peak.
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View of the Spanish Peaks
Photo by:
Adam M
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Trinchera saddle below Trinchera Peak. End of the road.
Photo by:
Adam M
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To the south from the saddle there is a short spur road that goes to the remains of a mine, most likely the reason for the road getting this high on the mountain.
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Mine equipment on Trinchera Peak
Photo by:
Adam M
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Data updated - April 14, 2016
4WD Road driven - September 5, 2015
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