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A wilderness trail with countless views, wildflowers, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.


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Map Key

7.4

Miles

11.9

KM

79%

Runnable

12,598' 3,840 m

High

10,027' 3,056 m

Low

2,619' 798 m

Up

1,143' 348 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

35%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The Middle Fork Trail #227 begins at the end of Forest Service Road #861.1, Middle Fork Road, and ends at an intersection with the East Fork Trail #228. The trail travels south following the Middle Fork Cimarron River at a gentle grade. In approximately 0.03 miles the trail enters the Uncompahgre Wilderness where Wilderness Regulations apply. It continues through spruce/fir and aspen where at approximately 2.2 miles it intersects the Porphyry Basin Trail #243 and it crosses a small drainage. After the crossing, it becomes steep for approximately 0.25 miles then levels off again.

At approximately 4.1 miles, the trail leaves the river and begins to ascend the ridge between the Middle Fork drainage and the East Fork drainage. It climbs steeply above timberline to a saddle at an elevation of 12,595 feet. The views of Uncompahgre Peak raising 14,309 feet, Matterhorn Peak rising 13,590 feet and Wetterhorn Peak at 14,015 feet are spectacular! After passing through the saddle, the trail begins its descent into the East Fork drainage and in approximately 7.0 miles it ends at an intersection with the East Fork Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 3 votes

#907

Overall
  5.0 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#148

in Colorado

#907

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,856 Since Oct 2, 2017
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Photos

South on #227.  October 11, 2020
Oct 17, 2020 near Ouray, CO
Heading South on #227.  October 11, 2020.
Oct 17, 2020 near Ridgway, CO
Precipice Peak and Mt. Dunsinane tower over the Middle Fork Valley and are easily viewed along the trail.
Oct 4, 2017 near Ridgway, CO
October 2019
Jul 10, 2023 near Ouray, CO
Taking in the views of the jagged peaks on Pinnacle Ridge.
Oct 4, 2017 near Ridgway, CO
The trail starts on a well-maintained trail with immediate views of Turret Ridge.
Oct 4, 2017 near Ridgway, CO

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