The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) meets with the South Fork Archuleta Trail. On many maps, the South Fork Archuleta Trail is shown and is technically an option to get to Big Meadows Reservoir. However, this trail is in very bad shape from the junction to Spruce Lakes. It is challenging to follow some red flags that were put onto trees, you have to bushwack and climb over fallen trees a lot and it is easy to get lost. If you want to get to Big Meadows Reservoir, better take the Archuleta Trail some miles further north.