About Wheeler National Recreation #39
The Wheeler National Recreation Trail can either be started outside of Blue River just north of McCullough Gulch or near Copper Mountain. The trail climbs into the alpine and crosses over the Tenmile Range and has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You can also enjoy the lower elevations as it passes through a mix of lodgepole and spruce/fir forests. Because this trail travels above timberline, you should begin your hike early in the morning because of the ever changing mountain weather. There is always a strong chance of afternoon thundershowers accompanied by lightning.* There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail. Or to see quicksheets for other recreation areas across the Forest, click on the "Recreation Quicksheets" link in the right column and select the appropriate Ranger District.
How to Get There
Access #1 (Wheeler Junction near Copper Mountain): From I-70 take Exit 195, Copper Mountain / Leadville, and travel south on HWY 91 toward Leadville. Immediately past I-70, turn left at the gas station and continue on the road to the parking area.Access #2 (North of McCullough Gulch) - You can either park with a reservation at the Quandary Trailhead Lot at the corner of Highway 9 and Blue Lakes Road, or can take a shuttle from the Airport Road Parking Lot in Breckenridge located at 1700 Airport Road.Directions to the Quandary Trailhead Lot: Please note you can only park here if you made a reservation here:From I-70 take Exit 203, Frisco/Breckenridge, and travel south on Hwy 9 approximately 10 miles to the town of Breckenridge. Continue through Breckenridge on Hwy 9 (Main Street). You will pass the town of Blue River, travel 4 miles and then turn right onto Blue Lakes Road (FDR 850). The parking lot will be on your right.Parking on McCollough Gulch or Blue Lakes Road is no longer allowed - you can also park at the Airport Road Lot in Breckenridge and take the free Summit Stage shuttle to the Quandary Trailhead Lot. Another shuttle will take you from the Quandary Trailhead Lot to the McCollough Gulch Trailhead.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Wheeler National Recreation #39
Heading to Wheeler National Recreation #39? 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 Wheeler National Recreation #39?
No central reservation system listed for Wheeler National Recreation #39. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10081932) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Wheeler National Recreation #39?
Access #1 (Wheeler Junction near Copper Mountain): From I-70 take Exit 195, Copper Mountain / Leadville, and travel south on HWY 91 toward Leadville. Immediately past I-70, turn left at the gas station and continue on the road to the parking area.Access #2 (North of McCullough Gulch) - You can either park with a reservation at the Quandary Trailhead Lot at the corner of Highway 9 and Blue Lakes Ro…
References & Official Resources
