BPX 3-Day: Mosquito Lake from Stillwater Reservoir with day hike over Devils Causeway

BPX Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1 – Park at Stillwater TH and take Bear River trail west to Mosquito Lake. Good fishing in Bear Creek. (2.3 miles, 500 feet up and 100 down to Mosquito Lake).

Route Day 1

Day 2 – Option to day hike to Devils Causeway. Continue on Bear River Trail 1102 where it climbs steeply up to above tree line and the Chinese Wall ridge. Last water for the day is in a small creek before the tree line. Once on the ridge, continue slightly downhill approximately 0.3 miles to the junction of north bound 1803 Chinese Wall trail – careful not to take south bound 1803 Chinese Wall trail or descend further on Little Trapper 1814. Hike along ridge approximately 3 miles staying to the right to the Causeway and not continuing on the Chinese Wall Trail north. The Devils Causeway is aptly named as the ridge narrows to just a few feet wide and the drop off on both sides is significant. Those not wanting to cross the causeway they can return to camp the same way. For those that want to continue, carefully cross the causeway and continue a short distance on the ridge before making a steep descent and intersecting the East Fork trail. Go right, or towards Stillwater Reservoir, on the East Fork trail and make a steep descent with switchbacks to Little Causeway Lake for a nice break. Continue down to the valley and retrace step from day 1 back up Bear River trail to camp. the day hike with full loop is 8.7 miles, 1,800 feet up and down).

Route for Day 2 Hike

Day 3 – Return to TH by reversing Day 1. (2.3 miles, 100 feet vertical).

Driving Directions: At Yampa turn off at the Sinclair station (last good stop and cell phone reception). Take Moffat Ave. and CR 7 to the end of FS RD 900 and Stillwater Reservoir. The road is mostly good gravel but takes time. Restrooms available at TH.

General Requirements: Hiking conditions are best from mid-June after major snow has melted through October. July can be buggy, but the flowers are best then.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Hiking
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 4.6 mi
• Elevation Gain: 600 ft
• High Point: 10,626 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Yampa Ranger District (RNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12