Hiking the
French Pass Trail No. 651:
This trail provides access to the Continental Divide. Black Powder Pass and the Boreas Pass Road (via the Continental Divide). This trail is not always easy to follow and is not well signed. French Pass is a Continental Divide crossing between Bald Mountain and Mt Guyot. The view to the south as the hiker returns down the trail is across South Park to the Tarrvall Mountains. This trail is not recommended for winter use due to the high avalanche potential. Many Frenchmen from Canada were involved in fur trade in Colorado. One early trapper, "French Pete" used the path that crossed the Continental Divide between South Park and the valley of the Blue River to travel between two of his preferred trapping areas. As a result, this trail bears the non-specific name of this trapper. Both Bald Mountain (13.694 feet) and Mount Guyot (13.370 feet) are visible from the trail. For much of its distance, the trail follows a double rut wagon road, cut by later pioneers who followed French Pete's trail before better crossings were found. Potable water is available at Michigan Creek campground. French Creek provides backcountry water.
Specific Hiking and Trail Information for the French Pass Trail No. 651
Best Seasons: Summer to Fall
Length of Trail: 2 - 5 miles
Elevation at Trailhead: 11000 feet
Range of elevation encoutered on the hike: 11000 to 12000 feet
Estimated Difficulty (Forest Service Estimate): Easy:Intermediate
Travel Information
Trailhead Directions: Access to the French Pass Trail begins off of the Michigan Creek Road, FDR 54. Continue on this road toward Georgia Pass. Drive 2-1/4 miles past Michigan Creek Campground to a point where the road crosses French Creek. Park in a flat area just before reaching this crossing.
For more information on this hike
National Forest: Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Local Office: Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Address:
PO Box 219
Fairplay, CO, 80440
719-836-2031
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