 As described below, this is an eight-mile "lollipop" loop starting at gate 5. It is mostly an easy trail, gradually climbing 1000 feet up to the high point at Park Reservoir. The Happy Meal Trail is probably the most "kid friendly" trail in the Turkey Springs area. If you are bringing children or a novice mountain biker, suggest you enter at Gate 3 off Fremont Court (see Google map at the right). Follow the trail beginning at Gate 3 for .12 miles where it will intersect with the Happy Meal Trail. If you turn right and follow Happy Meal to the intersection with Newt Jack Rd. (Forest Rd. 923) and return, you will have an easy 3.42-mile route. Note: Be aware that neither the Gate 5 trailhead nor this route has any directional signage. This is a local “social trail.” Go there with a Boy Scout mindset: be prepared with map, compass, GPS, extra clothing, cell phone, water and whatever else you’ll need to stay safe in the forest. Directions to Gate 5 (see map at upper right):
Turn north off highway 160 onto North Pagosa Blvd. Drive 3.7 miles. Look to your left opposite Mockingbird Place to see the forest entry gate #5. (Use Google Map in upper right for directions to Gate 3.)
Route instructions:
(Note: You can also print these instructions and route map using the PDF files attached below.) | The map below shows the driving route from the Hwy 160 / N. Pagosa Blvd. intersection to the Gate 5 trailhead.
Note: You should be able to manipulate the Google maps, below, to zoom in, click and drag, and see different terrain and satellite images.
Note: To download and print the map below (and/or the route) instructions see the attached PDF files at the bottom of this page.
 |