Trail is signed on roadway. 4WD suggested last 8 miles. About 11 miles west of Durango on US 160, turn north on FS 571. Trailhead is about 14 miles from US 160. The last few miles unmaintained 4WD road.
Water is limited and watch for bad weather on the ridge.
The trail may be obscure in some places due to intersections with FS 435 until it starts onto Indian Ridge Trail which is easier to follow. One of the biggest drawing points of this trail is the unique opportunity to combine a wilderness trip along with a ride by steam locomotive. However, this attraction is endangering many other aspects of a wilderness trip, such as solitude and untrampled country. Also, the Continental Divide Trail is reached by the Elk Creek Trail. With all these attractions, this trail, in conjunction with the Vallecito, Johnston, and Needle Creek Trails, is part of the heaviest used loop in the entire Weminuche Wilderness.