Calico: Sockrider Peak

San Juan National Forest

(map link)

DAY 1  |  DAY 2

Okay, new backpacking plan. Since I had already done the section of Calico National Recreation Trail from the Calico Trailhead to the far side of Elliot Mountain, I decided to approach it via the West Fall Creek Trail instead. First day would be climb and follow the loop of trail over Sockrider Peak and Calico NRT back. There should be a rivulet of water just before the climb back up to the ridge. If that didn't work out, I would know how far down West Fall Creek I needed to go to get the all important stuff. Next day, lots of named peaks to be bagged, then back down. Some variations were possible in the second day, but in general, sorted. There's a bit of a turnout for parking and that's all at the trailhead.

A sign marks the start of West Fall Creek Trail No. 640.

The trail is well established and easy to follow.

Numerous spring flowers can be found among the trees. (Pretty Jacob's ladder.)

The trail crosses a number of little streams, none of which are Fall Creek. That stays off to the side and I'm not certain I ever saw it. The crossings all rate seasonal designation on the map, if even that, making this an unattractive route to plan for a diversion for water.

There is certainly water here now.

And there's plenty of plants that want to hang out in that water. (Marsh marigold.)

Another stream on the way.

Getting a look at some mountains (Dolores and company) to the north.

After just 2 miles, I was back on top of the ridge and to my proposed camp site for the night. I dropped off some gear, but since the weather was to be rather fair, that only meant about 3 bulky pounds relinquished from the pack.

Arrival at the Calico National Recreation Trail. Calico Peak is the more colorful one in the middle.

As I pondered these new peaks, I could see three figures moving about at the top of Calico Peak. There was someone parked at the bottom of East Fall Creek when I went by. Perhaps they were from that truck. They had gone up the side nearest me and appeared to vanish over the other side. I turned the other way for that loop over Sockrider.

Small peaks on the way to Sockrider Peak.

Of course, flowers line the way. (Snowdon lily.)

The trail over Sockrider Peak is hiker only and clearly signed as such on both ends. The bikes and motorcycles that ride on the other side of Elliot Mountain were quite good about staying on trail and the meadows were much nicer for it. My good feelings for them evaporated when I saw the state of this trail. There were plenty of tracks on it, but almost none from anyone actually allowed on it. When I came to false peaks, I traveled around the north side on fading trail. The few hiker steps I could see had missed these more pleasant rounds for the groove carved in the hill right over the top.

The hiker only trail over Sockrider Peak that is getting savagely ripped up and rerouted by illegal motorcycle use.

More flowers with delightfully purpled leaves. (Alpine springbeauty.)

A bumble bee among the little dwarf clover.

The valleys on the north side of Sockrider Peak, where the multiuse trails go.

I got to the top, had a look around, and signed the register. The few footprints were from a group earlier in the day, perhaps even those folks I saw up on Calico.

A deep look out to where there are just so very many more peaks.

Elliot Mountain from Sockrider Peak. Elliot is the taller peak, but looks smaller since it is only a 12er and those behind it to the left are 14ers. The spire of Lizard Head to the right is a 13er.

The massive panorama of the surrounding high country areas. (Click to embiggen, control+click to do it in another tab.)

The route down the other side of Sockrider Peak was much rockier and steeper. It was steeper still once it got off the rocky parts, thanks entirely to motorcycle riding knuckleheads who can't stand to be told a trail is not for them. They have dug out multiple direct tracks up the hill and I couldn't find the correct route. It was a much better designed trail once.

This junction makes it clear in three different ways that motorcycles aren't allowed on the trail to the left, not that it matters to the motorcycles.

Once back down to Calico NRT, I decided to continue to the bottom of the use trail up Elliot Mountain. I considered going up it again. There's certainly an argument that I should have and I'd have had less time at the end of the day to just feel at loose ends. I didn't. I followed Calico back west.

Below the ridge of Sockrider Peak.

At the East Fall Creek junction.

Always a few butterflies around.

The blue columbines are almost, but not quite, blooming.

There were small pools of water below the trail, but I didn't find the rivulet across it. I did find a bit of a muddy spot. I decided that I would go back down West Fall Creek to get water after all. I guess I should have just got it on the way up or even started with enough for camping and the next day too. That would be weight I could leave, as well.

The mesas to the west.

So I headed down. It seemed longer to the water than I remembered. It was about 400 feet vertical and little over half a mile of trail. There's first the small stream, which is plenty big and where I stopped, then a larger one shortly after. The larger streams do tend to be nicer, but I was happy with nice enough.

Okay, it's a very tiny stream, but it is easy to gather the water where it rolls over the bit of wood.

And then, having added 10 pounds of water to my back, I had to get back up to the top. Through the various snow drifts. Well, there were a few boot stomps through them to help out.

One of a few snow drifts on the trail, both below and above here.

I got to the top and a wind was getting itself up to blow. Ah, that is another use for a tent, keeping the air from moving around you so much. I'd been told there is a nice camp spot at the junction, but it was a bit exposed to that wind. I found something a little further up tucked into the trees instead. I still had two hours to what feels like a good stopping time, so considered bagging Johnny Bull Mountain and/or moving on to the next junction where there might be a better, more sheltered spot. It seemed like it would require carrying my gear over Johnny Bull one way or the other and I ultimately decided against.

Continue on to the next day ⇒

*photo album*




©2022 Valerie Norton
Written 2 Jul 2022