Colorado · Hiking

First Fork

19.1 mi
round trip
1,242 ft
climb
9,513 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Jul, Sep
best months

Is First Fork open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Columbine Ranger District. It doesn't name First Fork, so check the source for the area it covers (5 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Columbine Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

First Fork is a hard hike of about 19 miles in the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest in Colorado. It starts at the First Fork Trailhead, which sits at the low end of the route, about 7,166 feet, and climbs to a high point of about 9,513 feet. The trail is natural-surfaced, and horses are allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation show July highs around 76°F with lows near 42°F, while winter months bring highs in the mid-30s and frequent snow days. The route is open seasonally from June 1 to September 30. Near the trailhead are the Baldy Loop Trail and Medicine Mine Trail, each about 2 miles away, and the First Fork Piedra River, a canoeing stretch roughly 2.6 miles off. For an overnight stay, Pine Point Campground is about 5.9 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.