Colorado · Hiking · Near Telluride

Wasatch Descent

10.8 mi
round trip
7,749 ft
climb
12,182 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Wasatch Descent open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name Wasatch Descent, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Wasatch Descent is a 10.8-mile out-and-back hike in the Norwood Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado. The route starts at about 12,168 feet and climbs to a high point of 12,182 feet, then descends back to a low of 8,772 feet, with a total gain and loss of 7,749 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 2.8 miles in, where the grade reaches 45 percent. The trip is rated expert, and the parking area is named WASATCH. Plan for about 7.5 hours on the trail. East Fork Bear Creek is 0.6 miles away, and the Wasatch Connection mountain biking route is 0.7 miles off. Climbers can head to Sesame Street, about 1.2 miles away, and Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) is 1.8 miles from the trailhead.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    Campground

    Campground · 1.8 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Oak Street

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 2 mi
  • If it rains

    Little Hawaii Grotto

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors