This is the most direct route to the trailhead: For Front Range climbers, get yourself to Alamosa, CO and then head south on US 285 for Antonito. This is extreme southern Colorado. About one mile south of Antonito town center, watch for an intersection where US 285 turns off to the left. Stay right here to continue on CO17 which heads SW for Chama, NM and crosses La Manga Pass. The highway heads generally west, and just under 5 miles, crosses the Conejos River. It stays on the north side of the river now for the next several miles. After several more miles it turns to the NW for a short while, then turns back to the SW on a bend where there is a small community. County Road 250 turns off to the right in this community. Just past this community, the highway crosses the Conejos again and begins the climb to the pass. If you have crossed the river, you have missed the turnoff. Coordinates for the turn are: N 37° 07' 58.96 W 106° 21' 01.96". This is known as the "Conejos River Road."
Follow graded dirt CR250 NW through beautiful valley bottom country for several more miles up along the Conejos River. Turn left onto FR105. It may take as long as a half hour to reach this intersection. This intersection is just a short distance south of the Lake Fork CG by about .9 mile. If you come to the campground, you've just missed the turn. Coordinates are: N 37° 17' 53.37" W 106° 28' 40.06". Head up FR105 (also known as the Saddle Creek Road) which will begin climbing uphill. At 1.7 mile appx., the road will go through a pair of switchbacks. At 3.1 miles, there will be another pair of switchbacks. At 4.8 miles appx., there will be a road intersection where FR100 turns off on a sharp curve. Remain on FR105 which will turn back to the west (left). Go another 1.8 more miles to another sharp curve. Park here for the trailhead to Conejos Peak and Saddle Creek. Past the intersection with the FR100, the road continues to degenerate to very rocky, slow condition. While 4WD is not required, a higher than average clearance is.
An alternate way to get to the trailhead if you've completed the Summit - Montezuma Peaks traverse is as follows: From FR380 near the turnoff for the Stunner Campground, take the road to the south for Stunner Pass, which is FR250. Drive the 4 miles up to the pass, then descend to Platora. Continue SE down along the Conejos River to the Lake Fork Campground. Drive another .9 mile to the turnoff for CR105 (Saddle Creek Road). As of 2024, we found these roads to be in overall good condition.
The nearest National Forest campground is the Lake Fork CG. This pleasant camp area sits along the banks of the Conejos River and does not receive as much crowding as other campgrounds closer to the larger metro areas. It has vault toilets, but the Forest Service site does not mention water available. The river is easily accessible. Reservations can be made. Here's a link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29546
There are primitive sites located along the Conejos River as you drive along CR250. Along FR105, there's not much to choose from until you arrive at the trailhead. You could probably car-camp here.