4X4Explore.com - Bristol Head

Bristol Head

Maps:

USGS 7.5' Map:

Hermit Lakes, Bristol Head

Statistics:

Difficulty:	Number:	Miles:	Altitude:	Obstacles:	Time:
Easy 3	FR 532	10.04	10,032 to 12,713 ft.	Rough road	4-5 hours

County:

Rio Grande

Adopted by:

Managed by:

Rio Grande National Forest
Divide Ranger District

13308 West Hwy 160
Del Norte, CO 81132

719-657-3321

Summary:

Bristol Head is an easy road to a great spot to view the mountains south of Antelope Park and Creede.

Attractions:

Scenic views

Seasonal
Closure:

Agency - March 15 to May 15

Best Time:

June - Upper section may still be snowed in
July - Best
August - Best
September - Best
October - Watch for early snows

Trail Heads
Accessed:

Camping:

There is one dispersed site about four miles in from Highway 149.

Base Camp:

This would not be a good place to base camp. There are campgrounds to the south on Highway 149 that would offer better base camp locations to access the other roads in the area.

Fall Colors:

Poor - The upper section is in pine forest.

Navigation:

From Creede, CO. head south on CO-149 N for 26.6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service road 532, the Bristol Head 4WD road.

From Lake City, CO. head south on CO-149 S for 8.8 miles. Sharp right to stay on CO-149 S and go 15.1 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service road 532, the Bristol Head 4WD road.

History:

Description:

The first half of the Bristol Head 4WD road is a graded two lane road. The road slowly climbs through aspen groves separated by open meadows working its way up into a broad meadow.

	Lower section in the aspen trees photo by: Adam M

After about 7.5 miles you will come to an intersection with Crystal Lake, FR532.2A to your left. Continue on FR 532 as it gets rougher and continues to climb.

You will encounter more rocks and ruts on this section. There are a few mud holes that are not a problem as they have hard bottoms.

	Heading toward the meadows photo by: Adam M

	Meadow photo by: Adam M

The road will work its way out of the forest and start to cross a large sloping hill, this is the back of Bristol Head. You will cross above timberline and drive through large fields of wildflowers as you loop around to the west side of Bristol Head.

	Heading toward the north side of Bristol Head photo by: Adam M

	Bristol Head, north side, in center photo by: Adam M

The road will now turn to the east and do a long sweeping switchback before climbing to the top of Bristol Head.

	Heading east across Bristol Head photo by: Adam M

At the top is a cell/radio tower and its support facility, including two large solar panels.

	Coming onto the top of Bristol Head (Brian M) photo by: Adam M

The views to the South over the sheer cliffs of Bristol Head are magnificent.

	Views to the south photo by: Joyce M

To the west you will see Santa Maria Reservoir far below.

	Views to the west with Santa Maria Reservoir below photo by: Adam M

There is another narrow spur to your east that can be walked to giving you more views to the east from this perch at 12,713 feet.

	View from the spur back toward Bristol Head photo by: Brian M

Data updated - November 28, 2015 4WD Road driven - July 23, 2015 Copyright 4X4Explore.com - 2000-2015