Wheeler Geologic Area

Wheeler Geologic Area resembles a mysterious ghost city, with spires and minarets that seem to float like a cloud above the surrounding mountains and evergreens of the national forest. This unique geologic phenomenon originated as part of the violent volcanic history of the San Juan Mountains and millions of years of erosion by the elements that carved the eerie landscape that we see today.

The Wheeler Geologic Area is located 2- miles east of Creede on the south side of the San Luis Peaks, or 24 miles from South Fork on Pool Table road. The geologic formations are contained in a tiny 60-acre section of the Rio Grande National Forest. In this area a mound of volcanic ash has eroded into a landscape that is so bizarre it seems to belong on another planet.

Plan Your Visit

We strongly advise you to plan a whole (long) day trip in order to travel into Wheeler, enjoy the formations, and then get back out. It is not a short, easy trip. The road is extremely rough with deep ruts, narrow turns, and some steep hills. High clearance 4x4 vehicles or ATVs are recommended. This road is not recommended for travel during monsoonal storms.

Getting Here From Creede, CO: Travel approximately 8 miles south on Hwy 149 (toward South Fork) to Forest Road #600 (Pool Table Road). Turn left onto the dirt road and go 9.8 miles to Hansen Mill. This road is generally passible with passenger vehicles. Beyond Hansen Mill, Forest Road #600 continues but should only be driven with high clearance 4x4 vehicles or OHVs.

From South Fork: Travel approximately 10 miles north on Hwy 149 (toward Creede) to the Forest Road #600 (Pool Table Road). Turn right and follow the instructions above.

Travel Considerations The road is extremely rough with deep ruts, narrow turns, and some steep hills. High clearance 4x4 vehicles or ATVs are recommended. This road is not recommended for travel during monsoonal storms.

The road into Wheeler travels through the La Garita wilderness. Vehicles must stay on the designated road.

Seasons of Use Wheeler Geologic Area is open seasonally during the summer. The road may occasionally be closed during the rainy season. Please check with the Divide Ranger District at 719-657-3321 before departing for Wheeler Geologic Area.

In the winter, the road is closed to wheeled vehicles and may be gated for spring road closures.

Operational Use Open year around but usually snowed in with poor access from November through May. Access Roads via Pool Table Road 600. Road is extremely rough with deep ruts. High clearance vehicle (jeep with winch) or ATV recommended.