About Chinese Wall #1803
Chinese Wall Trail #1803 begins near the summit of Ripple Creek Pass. After 1 mile, the trail enters the Flat Tops Wilderness. It then continues 2 miles to Picket Pin Park where it meets the Picket Pin-Lily Pond Trail #1811. The trail skirts the park for .5 mile, then climbs 1 mile to the ridge that divides the White River and Williams Fork drainages.The West Lost Lake Trail #1103 drops into the Lost Lakes from the top of the ridge. From here it climbs another 2 miles to the top of the Lost Lakes Peaks (11,800'). The trail continues across rolling tundra, where it is marked by wooden posts and rock cairns. After 4.5 miles, it meets the Devil's Causeway Trail, #1803.3. The Causeway, 1 mile to the north, is a narrow strip of land connecting two major portions of the Flat Tops. It is flanked by 60' to 80' cliffs with steep talus slopes dropping 600' to 800' into the drainage below. The rough and rocky three-foot-wide crest can be crossed on foot, but it is impassable for horses. The trail then heads south 7 miles across an alpine meadow and ends at the Island Lakes Trail #1842.Print a trail description and map (.pdf)
How to Get There
The Chinese Wall Trail is located 45 miles east of Meeker, CO.From Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right (east) on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 44 miles. There is a parking lot of the west side of the road, .4 miles from the summit of Ripple Creek Pass. The trail begins across the road, to the east of the parking lot.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Chinese Wall #1803
Heading to Chinese Wall #1803? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Chinese Wall #1803?
No central reservation system listed for Chinese Wall #1803. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10067027) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Chinese Wall #1803?
The Chinese Wall Trail is located 45 miles east of Meeker, CO.From Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right (east) on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 44 miles. There is a parking lot of the west side of the road, .4 miles from the summit of Ripple Creek Pass. The trail begins across the road, to the east of the parking lot.
References & Official Resources
