Wagon Wheel Gap Station from wikipedia.org
Welcome to Wagon Wheel Gap, Colorado!
Located along the upper Rio Grande River about half way between South Fork and Creede, we’re parked at Cottonwood Cove Guest Ranch and RV Park. Cottonwood Cove provides a comfortable oasis of 27 guest cabins and 21 RV spots along this gentle curve of the Rio Grande. During “normal” times, an onsite restaurant and gift shop are available. Currently only the pizza parlor and ice cream shop is open.
Google aerial view of Cottonwood Cove Guest Ranch
Cottonwood Cove Guest Ranch
Driving north towards Lake City, the summit of Spring Pass and the continental divide are at 11,000 feet. Here the headwaters of the Rio Grande eventually flow nearly 1900 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. And, just beyond are the headwaters for the Lake Fork of the Gunnision River, which joins the Colorado River on it’s 1400 mile journey to the Gulf of California & the Sea of Cortez.
Continuing north you reach the higher Slumgullion Summit at 11,500′. The north side of Slumgullion has the steepest grade of any continuously paved road in Colorado – 9%! Named for the Slumgullion earthflow, a gigantic landslide whose yellowish soil reminded early miners of slumgullion stew. This slide was so large and cataclysmic that it blocked the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and created Lake San Cristobal, Colorado’s second largest natural lake.
Slumgullion Slip
Lake San Cristobal
Along the way, beautiful North Clear Creek Falls make the dramatic 100 foot drop over a volcanic ash cliff that was deposited during an eruption about 27 million years ago! The new observation platform, paved parking and restrooms make this an easy, must-see when visiting the area.
North Clear Creek Falls
We enjoyed the South Fork/Creede area and will be returning to South Fork in mid-August. But, before that trip, we’re headed to Cheyenne for the now-cancelled 124th Cheyenne Frontier Days. More from Cheyenne…
Small Home - Big Yard 