Wheeler Geologic Area to Halfmoon Pass

This 20-mile round-trip route begins at the Hanson Mill trailhead and follows the East Bellows Creek Trail (Trail 790) to the Wheeler Geologic Area and Halfmoon Pass. The initial portion of the hike traverses relatively flat terrain through conifer forest before opening up to views of the volcanic cliffs along East Bellows Creek. After crossing the creek, the trail climbs through a loose scree field below Canyon Nieve and continues upward through rolling meadows beneath the Fish Canyon Tuff. As the trail nears the crest, it provides views of La Garita Peak (13,710 feet) before descending to join the four-wheel-drive road (Forest Road 600) near the entrance to the geologic area. From the junction, a 3-mile loop trail winds through the highly eroded, light-colored volcanic ash formations of the Wheeler Geologic Area. An additional 1-mile segment of the main trail climbs to Halfmoon Pass at approximately 12,510 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and the geologic formations below.