It often seems like this road is open a couple of weeks a year.  A gate sways back not blocking the way for vehicles but that is meaningless.  Vehicles can’t pass this way now anyway.  In the heat of the summer (or at least as hot as it gets at 11,200-plus-feet) you can drive three miles to the top where the 360-degree views are expansively distant and make you feel small and insignificant.  With snow though, the sights are delightfully different (I’d say more impressive) and worth the leg powered energy to get
there.

It is only mid-October and Wolf Creek Pass has had snow for two weeks now.  A four foot gift from mother nature bestowed first open in Colorado recognition to the ski area that provides a most memorable experience.  And while today wasn’t downhill skiing for me it was uphill to Lobo Overlook and the beginning of a story in snowfall bliss that will end months from now when the leaves of the quaking aspen are already forming in the lower elevations.

But, for today, I was going to enjoy the solitude of hiking to what amounts to nearly two miles into the sky.  A place where the air is thin, the blues bluer than anyplace you’ve ever been before and the quiet more appealing than you thought possible.  Today, this was my place of peace and inspiration.  And, I only had to snowshoe three miles to get there.

The pathway is the roadbed that can be travelled via vehicle in the summer.  It is wide and curvy and doesn’t require your attention so you can instead ogle at the stunning views or converse with your partner who can snowshoe beside you.  Small open snow powder meadows encourage you to jump off the road and make your own way amongst the pine and spruce scents.  A few hearty winter bird inhabitants tell of your arrival and can be seen flitting about in the short boughs that protect them from the often inhospitable weather.   Be cautious of the steep edges and once the snow really begins to accumulate you will want to be aware of avalanche conditions if you are heading into the backcountry.

But for now, when the autumn leaves are still swaying from the branches in their rusty orange and golden yellow, when the highest peaks are coated with a veil of white, and when you can’t help but to find enjoyment in the endless recreational pursuits of Pagosa Country then think, “I could be there today,” and you could – balancing the challenges of deciding if you want to hike, snowshoe, downhill ski, hunt or drive around to check out the spectacular colors of Pagosa Springs.

The Details

Trail: Lobo Creek Overlook

Distance: 3-miles each way/6-miles round trip

Directions: From the east side of Pagosa Springs travel Hwy 160 24-miles just over the crest of Wolf Creek Pass.  A snow covered parking area is located on the left side of the road (FS 402).  Turn here and park being cautious of snowmobile trailers and your ability to get out once your hike is complete.

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there.  In the summer, we will tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you.  In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience.  Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, co-workers or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/.  Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.