Overview
Wheeler Geologic Area is one of the strangest places in Colorado. The volcanic rhyolite spires, hoodoos, columns, and mushroom rocks clustered in a remote basin of the La Garita Wilderness look more like the badlands of the American Southwest than the Colorado Rockies. Carved over millions of years from ash deposits left by the San Juan volcanic field, the formations reach 40 to 50 feet in height and cover an area dense enough to feel like a separate landscape inserted into the surrounding forest and meadow terrain.
The 14-mile round trip to reach it is the price of admission. The Pool Table Road trailhead is the standard starting point, with the route crossing open aspen parkland and conifer forest before reaching the volcanic formations in the La Garita Wilderness interior. The 1,800 feet of gain is spread over 7 miles, making the grade moderate, but the distance and the remote location put this firmly in the moderate-hard category for most hikers.
Rio Grande National Forest contains some of the most unusual terrain in southern Colorado, and Wheeler is its most remote and photogenic feature. The La Garita Wilderness that surrounds it sees a fraction of the use of Colorado's better-known wilderness areas, which is part of why the formations have retained their wild character.
The Route
Miles 0 to 3.0: Pool Table Road to Wilderness
The trail begins at the Pool Table Road trailhead and heads north through open aspen and conifer forest on a broad, well-maintained path. The first 3 miles are relatively flat, crossing the Pool Table, a broad volcanic mesa, before beginning the descent into the Saguache Creek drainage. The wilderness boundary is at approximately mile 2.
Miles 3.0 to 5.5: Saguache Creek Valley
The trail drops into the Saguache Creek valley and follows the drainage through denser forest. Water is generally available from the creek in this section. The valley narrows and the volcanic character of the terrain becomes more apparent as elevation increases toward the formation area.
Miles 5.5 to 7.0: Approach and Wheeler Formations
The trail climbs out of the valley and approaches the volcanic basin from the south. The first spires appear gradually as the trail crests a low ridge, then the full extent of the formation field opens ahead. The main group of formations is at approximately mile 7, the standard destination and turnaround for this route. Allow time to walk among the spires before beginning the return.
When to Visit
July through September. The high-elevation access road and trailhead are typically not passable until late June. Early September is often the best choice, stable weather, no afternoon thunderstorm risk in most years, and the beginning of fall color in the aspen groves on the approach.
Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July and August on the open Pool Table section and in the volcanic basin. Morning starts (6 a.m. or earlier) give most hikers sufficient time to reach the formations and return before afternoon weather builds.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry:
- 3 liters of water (with filter; Saguache Creek is available mid-route)
- Full day's worth of food for the long approach
- Paper map and compass as backup to digital navigation
- Shelter layer and rain gear
Consider bringing:
- Trekking poles for the 14-mile distance
- Overnight camping gear if treating this as a backpacking trip
Individual needs vary. This is a long day in genuinely remote terrain; conservative planning is appropriate.
Practical Details
No facilities at the trailhead or anywhere on the route. Pack out all waste. Practice Leave No Trace principles especially in the fragile volcanic formation area, stay on established paths and do not climb on or touch the spires.
Cell service is absent throughout. Inform someone of your plan and expected return before departing. Free campfire permits are required for overnight trips; obtain them from the Divide Ranger District office in Del Norte or at any self-issue station.
For information on overnight wilderness camping, see how to get a national forest camping permit.
Getting There
From Creede, take CO-149 north approximately 15 miles, then turn east on CO-114 (follow signs). After approximately 2 miles on CO-114, turn south onto Pool Table Road (FR 600). Follow FR 600 approximately 8 miles to the trailhead. The road is rough gravel, high-clearance strongly recommended, 4WD helpful. The road can be muddy and impassable when wet. Verify road conditions with the Divide Ranger District (Del Norte) before your trip.
From Del Norte, take CO-112 west to CO-114, then follow CO-114 west and the Pool Table Road directions above. Total distance from Del Norte is approximately 40 miles.