Colorado · Hiking

West Fork Rio Chama

2.9 mi
round trip
708 ft
climb
9,645 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is West Fork Rio Chama open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Rio Grande National Forest. It doesn't name West Fork Rio Chama, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Rio Grande National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The West Fork Rio Chama is an easy, 2.9-mile out-and-back hike on natural surface in Colorado's Conejos Peak Ranger District, part of the Rio Grande National Forest. The trail climbs from about 8,938 feet to about 9,645 feet, a gain of 708 feet one way, and is managed by the Forest Service. Bikes and horses are both allowed, which makes it a flexible option for riders and riders with pack animals. The route is open year-round, so it works for any season. Summer brings the most comfortable conditions, with typical July averages around 81°F and 51°F at a nearby weather station at Brazos Lodge. That station sits about 1,640 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. Dispersed camping is about 1.8 miles away, and the Archuleta Trail and the Chama River hike are both about 2.2 miles off. Trujillo Meadows Campground lies roughly 5.7 miles away for an overnight stay.

Local outfitters

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