Devils Causeway

Nestled in the heart of the the elevated plateau of the Flat Tops Wilderness in northwestern Colorado is the breathtaking Devils Causeway. This 50-foot land bridge is only 4 feet wide at its narrowest point, and it connects two prominent sections of the Chinese Wall of the Flat Tops. Precipitous 60- to 80-foot cliffs drop off of both sides of the causeway and give way to 600 to 800 feet of steep talus slopes that descend to the drainage far below. Perched on Devils Causeway one gets a truly amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the Stillwater Reservoir to the southeast, the White River drainage to the west, the William Fork River drainage to the north, and volcanic plateaus rising all around. In a state full of dramatic scenery, it is still quite remarkable. The quickest route to Devils Causeway begins at the Stillwater Reservoir trailhead and follows the East Fork Trail 1119 along the north side of the reservoir. In just a little under 1 mile the junction with Bear River Trail 1120 is reached. Stay to the right to continue on 1119. Just over halfway to the causeway the passes Little Causeway Lake on the left. From here the trail will ascend steeply to the Chinese Wall. Upon achieving the ridge, turn left and continue for less than 0.75 miles to reach the causeway. Although this adventure report covers the out-and-back trip to the causeway, the trail network of the Flat Tops Wilderness presents many opportunities for loop hikes and extended backpack trips. Specifically, continuing southwest from the causeway will lead to a loop hike (10.5 miles total length) that will return to the Stillwater Reservoir Trailhead.