The Lobo Pass Trail near Wolf Creek Pass is an entry point for hiking the Continental Divide Trail. The Continental Divide Trail (or CDT) is actually short for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The trail is 3,028 miles or 4,873km and stretches from the U.S. border with Chihuahua, Mexico to the Canadian border, leading into Alberta. The CDT is a very popular multi-day hike for outdoor enthusiasts and backpackers, but a day hike can be just as rewarding. The Lobo Pass Trail Spur into the CDT is a perfect option to access this famous hiking trail.
- Elevation Start: 11,700ft
- Elevation at Peak: Depends on Length
- Trail: One Way or Out-and-Back
- Trail Length: Various
- Allowed: Hiking, Dogs, and Horses,
- Lobo Pass Hike – Continental Divide Trail #813
Rio Grande National Forest to Weminuche Wilderness
Heading northward from Lobo Pass, the CDT begins within the Rio Grande National Forest, and after the first couple of miles, the trail enters the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail weaves through the Weminuche Wilderness until it returns to National Forest land at Stony Pass. However, without the signs marking the transitions between the National Forest and the Wilderness, one may never realize that these ever occurred. Even though the trail runs through these different protected areas, the surroundings are nearly identical. The Weminuche Wilderness is the largest wilderness area within the state of Colorado.
Beware of Weather
Beginning the hike at close to 12,000 feet above sea level can be extremely dangerous when stormy weather rolls in. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out. When hiking at higher altitudes pay special attention to the weather by watching for cloud formation. Thunderstorms, lightning and hail, all of which can occur at high altitudes, can be very dangerous. An example of the remnants left from the previous day’s hail storm can be seen in the picture below. The hail had been washed by moving rain and collected in piles along the trail.
Flowers and Mushrooms Found on Lobo Pass Trail Hike
Amanita Muscaria
Many different kinds of mushrooms grow in Colorado, especially during the late summer months. The Amanita Muscaria mushroom can be found at this altitude and may look familiar from the Super Mario Brothers video game. The Amanita Muscaria is the only known hallucinogenic mushroom found in Colorado and should not be eaten. Symptoms from eating this mushroom include deep relaxation to visual distortions to intense feelings of euphoria, but sever cases of poisoning, seizures and comas can occur!
Wildflowers
Lobo Pass Trail provides a great spot to view wildflowers during the summer season. Colorado is home to many different types of wildflowers, including some that only grow at high altitudes. Many species of wildflowers can be found along the Lobo Pass Trail. During the peak of the wildflower bloom, the already amazing views from this section of the Continental Divide Trail are even more spectacular.
Directions to Lobo Pass
The Trailhead begins next to the Lobo Overlook. From downtown Pagosa Springs, drive east on Highway 160. Between the Wolf Creek Pass summit and the Wolf Creek Ski Area is FS 402 on the north side of the highway. Turn left onto FS 402 and drive approximately 3 miles. Near the top, take the right turn at the fork. Do not drive to the Lobo Overlook parking lot. Instead, drive to the radio tower, and park on the far side of the building. You will see signs marking the trailhead.
Lobo Pass Trail Hike Photos
