Wheeler Geologic Area to Halfmoon Pass

Forging out from the parking lot, the striking lack of green telltale of a beetle-infested forest will catch you off guard. As beautiful as the woods are today, it's heartbreaking to imagine their past glory days. Signs navigate between the two options of reaching the geologic site: a very rough, fourteen mile 4X4 drive, or a seven and a half mile hike. Opting for the latter, the trail begins on a rather flat route through the woods until the flora opens up to views of the volcanic cliffs surrounding East Billows Creek. Crossing the raging snowmelt-filled banks, the trail then takes its lead from East Billows, traversing a loose scree field below Canyon Nieve before breaking into three miles of easy climbing with amazing views of the rolling meadows below Fish Canyon Tuff. Nearing the crest, the forest's namesake La Garita Mountain (13,710 ft) comes into view before the trail drops again to meet up with the 4X4 road. The final stretch into Wheeler is an easy downhill jaunt along the battered road. A three mile loop skirts the geologic area, while another mile on the main trail will pull you up to Halfmoon Pass for an amazing bird's-eye view.