Hiking Trails
Listing all the hiking trails in Gunnison County is a daunting task. Let it suffice to say, if you are looking for outdoor adventures - hiking is a great way to accomplish that goal, and we have plenty of trails to explore.
Surrounded
by millions, yes millions, of acres of public land you can often hike
right from your door. We recommend requesting a trail map
now, or just buy one when you get here in addition to talking with
locals and or personnel at your lodging property to help steer you in
the right direction.
Outfitters can also be a great way to "point" you in the right direction, and often times experienced hiking guides
can show you treasures you never would have found on your own- and
often times they can pack your lunch, sunset dinner, or whatever for
you! If you'd like a customized Colorado Hiking Vacation Package we have some in our deals sections of the site.
Below
is a comprehensive list of our favorite trails. Browse through them and
let your mind wander... we'll be here when you come back to earth! Check
out our Wildflower Bloom Report too!
Trail Map Legend:
E - Easy Good for families with small children, elderly or those with a short time frame.
M - Moderate Good for longer hikes and those looking for a more strenuous
experience. Best for people with good physical conditioning.
D - Difficult Good for more serious hikers with appropriate equipment
and excellent physical conditioning. May involve technical skills. Generally
not recommended for those under 14 years old.
Gunnison Area
Hartman Rocks - Easy to Moderate - varied length of trails
(1/2 - 30 miles).
Access: West on Highway 50, 1/2 mile west of town, before you cross the
Gunnison River, turn left onto Gold Basin Road (CR 38). Travel 2.8 miles
to the sign marking the entrance to the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area.
This area is a network of both dirt roads and single track trails. The
single track trails are marked with numbered posts on each end. You will
hike through rolling hills of sagebrush, granite rock formations and
cottonwood groves. A separate brochure is available for this area from
the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce.
Gunnison Spur of the Colorado Trail - Easy to Moderate - 20
miles,
Access: East on Highway 50 to McDonald's. Turn left and go to the first
stop sign. Turn right and travel around the college campus about halfway
up the hill. Park in the eastern edge of the lot for the WSC library.
Cross the road to gain access to the trail. The trail climbs steadily
to the radio towers then follows a 2 track road up the crest of rolling
hills to the top of Signal Peak. It continues for many miles along roads
and trails.
O'Fallon Ditchline/Ridgeline Trail - Easy - 1.5 miles
Access: Take Highway 50 to McDonalds. Turn left and go to the first stop
sign. Turn right and travel around the college campus about halfway up
the hill. Park in the eastern edge of the lot for the WSC library. Cross
the road to the entrance of the Trail.
This trail is a easy and short hike from the City of Gunnison through
sagebrush and hills. It provides good views of the City and surrounding
area. A loop hike can be completed by using the entire trail system there.
Gunnison Bike Path - Easy - 3 miles, ADA accessible
Access: North on Highway 135 to City Market parking lot. The trail starts
from the parking lot.
The bike path travels north along Highway 135 to the Gunnison River. You
will pass horse pastures on your way to the river. At the river, there
is public fishing access, north and west of the bridge.
Neversink - Easy - 1.5 miles, ADA Accessible
Access: West on Highway 50 for 5 miles. The entrance is on the south side
of the highway and is well marked.
Located on the north shore of the Gunnison River, this area is rich with
grasses, flowers, cottonwoods and willows and is ideal for birding, fishing
and wildlife observation. This trail is flat, shaded and provides very
easy walking.
Frontage Road - Easy - 2.5 miles, ADA Accessible
Access: West on highway 50 to A&W Restaurant. Park on any nearby side
street.
The frontage road begins at A&W and parallels Highway 50 out to the
ranchland west of town. The frontage road is nice for an easy walk, in-line
skating or a quick bike ride.
Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Area
Crested Butte Summit Trail - Moderate-Difficult, 1.25 miles
Access: Park in the visitors parking area at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
There is a kiosk where maps can be obtained. Tickets are available at
the Ski area ticket office or Eflin Sports in the Treasury Center. Follow
a walkway to the Silver Queen Chairlift, which will take you to the trailhead.
The trail is well marked and will take you to the summit of Crested Butte
Mountain through tall timber, across tundra and a screefield. There are
spectacular views in all directions from the summit. Your return is a
hike down the mountain (about 6 miles) or a ride down the chairlift.
Snodgrass Trail - Moderate - 3 miles (Trail closed for grazing
July and August)
Access: Travel 2 miles past the ski area at Mt. Crested Butte on Gothic
Road. The trailhead is on the left side of Gothic Road.
At the trailhead, cross over the fence on Snodgrass Road. At approximately
0.5 miles, the trail intersects with a road. Turn left and follow the
trail west to the Washington Gulch Road. This trail takes you through
fields of wildflowers and in and out of aspen and pine groves. There are
beautiful views of Crested Butte Mountain along the way. Watch for "stop
sign" closures.
Upper Loop Trail - Easy to Moderate - 3.4 miles
Access: From Mt. Crested Butte, travel east then south on the Hunter Hill
Road for 1 mile. The trailhead is marked at the switchback. Parking is
limited.
The trail descends to the Skyland subdivision at the Crested Butte Country
Club through meadows and aspen trees. There are fence crossings. At approximately
1.5 miles, you will have several trail choices. To travel to Crested Butte,
take the first right on the McCormick Ranch Trail. To travel to the Country
Club, Stay on the Upper Loop Trail. To travel to Brush Creek Road, turn
left onto the Upper Upper Loop Trail.
Upper Upper Loop Trail - Moderate to Difficult - 2.2 miles
Access: From Mt. Crested Butte, travel east then south on the Hunter Hill
Road for 1 mile. The trailhead is marked at the switchback. Parking is
limited.
The trail descends to the Skyland subdivision at the Crested Butte Country
Club through meadows and aspen trees. At approximately 1.5 miles, turn
left onto the Upper Upper Loop Trail. (You will encounter a spur to your
right that is rated intermediate and is a nice hike). The trail ends at
Brush Creek Road on the Southern side of Crested Butte Mountain. Turn
right to return to town.
Lower Loop Trail - Easy, ADA accessible for 1 mile - 2.5 miles
Access: From Crested Butte, travel north on 1st street then west on Butte
Avenue. Butte Avenue turns into Peanut Lake Road. Continue past Peanut
Lake and park at the fence line before reaching Peanut mine.
The trailhead is across the road from Peanut Mine and for the 1st mile
is on private land (please stay on the trail). Once on BLM lands, two
single-track trails continue northwest until ending at the Gunsight Pass
Road. To return, travel east on the road, then southeast on the Slate
River Road. Finally, turn south on Gothic Road.
Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Recreation Path - Easy - 2.75 miles
(2 miles are ADA accessible)
Access: Park at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort parking lot. The trail
starts at this parking lot heading back towards Crested Butte.
The trail follows Gothic Road for the first 3/4 mile, crossing the road
twice. The remaining 2 miles wind through meadows. The end of the trail
is still under construction. When you get to the barricade, signs will
direct you onto a single track dirt path out to Gothic Road. You may continue
your hike on the shoulder of Gothic Road into Crested Butte. There is
a shuttle that can take you back up to the parking lot.
Green Lake Trail - Moderate - 4 miles
Access: Park in the Town of Crested Butte, near the Crested Butte Nordic
Center at 2nd Ave. and Whiterock. The trail begins near the Nordic Center.
This trail provides a more aggressive and longer trail from Crested Butte,
and proceeds through private property during some of its length, so remaining
on the marked trail is a requirement. The trail ends at Green Lake, with
the return trip a back-track back into Crested Butte.
Taylor River Road and Fossil Ridge Area
Henry Lake Trail - Difficult - 7 miles
Access: North on Highway 135 to Almont, right onto Taylor River Road.
Travel approximately 15 miles to Lottis Creek Campground. Trailhead for
South Lottis Trail is behind the campground. The Henry Lake Trail branches
off of the South Lottis Trail at about 4.5 miles.
There are many spectacular views along this trail and fishing in the lake
is reported to be fair to good. The trail is located in the Fossil Ridge
Wilderness and parallels South Lottis Creek and crosses some wet areas.
It ascends rapidly the last 3/4 mile to Henry Lake at 11,704 ft.
Gold Creek Trail - Moderate - 5 miles
Access: Take Highway 50 east to Parlin. Turn left at Parlin and go about
8 miles to Ohio City. Turn left on the Gold Creek Road and drive past
the Gold Creek Campground. The trailhead is at the end of the Gold Creek
Road and may require 4-wheel drive once past the campground.
This single track trail in the Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area
provides beautiful views into the Fossil Ridge and Pitkin areas. The trail
climbs to Shaw Ridge, and for a day hike it is recommended to stop here.
More experienced hikers can continue on the trail to access Union Park.
Doctor Park Trail - Moderate - 4 miles
Access: North on Highway 135 to Almont, right onto Taylor River Road.
Travel 6 miles to North Bank Campground. Trail leaves from north end of
campground.
The trail heads Northeast out of the campground to access the Doctor Park
area. You will have excellent views of Manganese Peak and Doctor Park
Mine from this trail.
Fossil Ridge Trail - Moderate - 13.5 miles
Access: Take Highway 50 east to Parlin. Turn left at Parlin and go about
8 miles to Ohio City. Turn left on Gold Creek Road and drive to the Gold
Creek Campground. The Fossil Ridge Trailhead is directly across from the
Gold Creek Campground on the left side of the road.
This trail in the Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area climbs up several
switchbacks then levels out once on the ridge. Boulder Lake can be accessed
from this trail at about 4 miles. The Fossil Ridge Trail also accesses
the Mill Lake and Summerville Trails into the Fossil Ridge Wilderness
and the Willow Creek Trail. The views from the Fossil Ridge Trail are
spectacular as you look to the mountains south and east.
Summerville Trail - Moderate - 11 miles
Access: North on Highway 135 to Almont, right onto Taylor River Road.
Travel 10 miles. The trailhead is on the right side of the road.
This trail is a major trail in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness. Although the
trail for the first 1/5 miles is gentle, it quickly gains elevation with
three series of switchbacks. The trail follows a meandering creek, then
enters into a quiet lodgepole forest. If you hike the entire 11 miles
to the Fossil Ridge Trail you will see breathtaking views of Henry Mountain
and Fossil Ridge.
Mill Lake Trail - Moderate - 2.5 miles
Access: Take Highway 50 east to Parlin. Turn left at Parlin and go about
8 miles to Ohio City. Turn left on the Gold Creek Road and drive to the
Gold Creek Campground. The Fossil Ridge Trailhead provides access to Mill
Lake Trail and is directly across from the Gold Creek Campground on the
left side of the road.
This trail begins on the Fossil Ridge Trail. Within the first mile, the
Mill Lake Trail junctions off of the Fossil Ridge Trail. The Mill Lake
Trail enters the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and after a short 1.5 mile walk
it leads you to Mill Lake. Mill Lake sits at an elevation of 11,480 feet.
Curecanti Area
West Beaver Creek Trail - Moderate - 7 miles
Access: From Gunnison, travel west on Highway 50 for 6 miles to the Cooper
Ranch site. Turn right on the Beaver Creek Road. Travel north 2.5 miles
to the D.O.W. House. Park at the house. The trailhead is another 2 miles
and can be accessed by hiking.
The trail gradually climbs along the Beaver Creek Valley, meandering through
aspen and pine forests. In about 7 miles, you will intersect with the
Beaver Creek Trail near the old cabin.
Coal Mesa Trail - Difficult - 9 miles
Access: From Gunnison, travel west on Highway 50 for about 25 miles to
Highway 92. Travel west on Highway 92 for 1 mile. Once across the Blue
Mesa Dam, turn right onto the Soap Creek Road #721 and travel 9 miles
to Soap Creek Campground. (The trailhead is adjacent to the south end
of the Soap Creek Campground) The trail crosses Soap Creek (via a bridge)
and enters the West Elk Wilderness Area in 1/2 mile. The trail follows
the ridge for a distance and has excellent views. The trail climbs steeply
to Bonfisk Peak. For a looped trail, return to Soap Creek Campground on
the Cow Creek Trail.
Dillon Pinnacles - Easy - 2 miles
Access: From Gunnison, travel west on Highway 50, 6 miles past the Elk
Creek Visitor Center. The trailhead is clearly marked on the right just
before the bridge crossing the reservoir.
Ascending through sagebrush, conifers and riparian vegetation, this trail
offers spectacular views of the weather sculpted Dillon Pinnacles and
Blue Mesa Reservoir. There are interpretive signs along the trail
that describe how these spectacular spires were formed. Horses are permitted.
Pine Creek - Moderate - 1 mile
Access: West on Highway 50, one mile west of junction with Highway 92.
The exit is clearly marked and a short, unpaved road leads to the trailhead.
Trailers must be parked before decending to the trailhead.
This trail descends along Pine Creek on the south side of the Black Canyon
of the Gunnison. 232 Stair steps take you down to the Morrow Point Reservoir
below Blue Mesa Dam. The lower portion of the trail follows
the historic bed of the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad. It also
accesses the Morrow Point Lake Boat Tours.
Pioneer Point/Curecanti Creek - Difficult - 2 miles
Access: West on Highway 50 to the junction of Highway 92. Turn right onto
Highway 92 and travel 5.7 miles to the trailhead.
This trail descends steeply from the rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
It follows Curecanti Creek down to Morrow Point Reservoir. The Curecanti
Needle, a 700 foot geologic spire, is within view at the trail's
end.
Hermit's Rest - Difficult - 3 miles
Access: West on Highway 50 to the junction of Highway 92. Turn right onto
Highway 92 and travel 17 miles to the trailhead.
This trail zigzags through oak, pine, juniper and fir. You will descend
steeply to the wooded campsite and picnic area on the shores of Morrow
Point Reservoir.
Ohio Creek Area
Beaver Ponds Trail - Easy - 1/2 mile
Access: North on Ohio Creek Road, travel 22 miles from Highway 135. Trailhead
is marked.
This is a good choice for families with small children. The trail climbs
gently through dense aspen stands and ends at the Beaver Ponds where there
is public fishing access.
Mill-Castle Trail - Easy to Difficult - 8 miles
Access: North on Ohio Creek Road, travel about 10 miles to the Mill Creek
Road, turn left and travel 4.5 miles to trailhead.
The lower part of this trail is suitable for all hikers, but the upper
sections should only be attempted by the most proficient hikers due to
the unpredictable weather and rugged terrain. However, this is one of
the most scenic trails in the West Elk Wilderness. The trail meanders
west from the Mill Creek Road, first following Mill Creek, and then steeply
climbing to Storm Pass.
Railroad Grade Road - Easy - 6 miles
Access: North on Ohio Creek Road about 23 miles from Highway 135. As you
approach the sweeping switchback turn, head east onto the Railroad Grade
Road. Park along the road as soon as possible.
The road and trail meander through pine and aspen forests and meadows.
As you walk along the historic Railroad Grade Road, remnants of the mining
past are still visible. Look for the hand built rock retaining wall that
protected the rail line from rock slides and avalanches.
Dyke Trail - Easy to Moderate - 6 miles
Access: From Crested Butte, travel west on the Kebler Pass Road to Lake
Irwin Road #826. Travel north on the Lake Irwin Road to the trailhead
(about 1/2 mile past the campground). Alternate access: from Horse Ranch
Park, travel north on the Dark Canyon Trail approximately 2 miles to the
Dyke Trail.
The Dyke Trail is a very popular trail in the summer and especially during
the fall colors. The trail meanders through aspen groves and meadows and
crosses over the "Dyke", a rocky spine.
Lost Lake Trail (and Beckwith Pass) - Easy to Moderate - 5 miles
Access: From Gunnison, travel north on Ohio Creek Road to the intersection
of Kebler Pass. Turn left onto Kebler Pass and travel to the Lost Lake
turnoff. Turn South towards the Lost Lake Campground. The trailhead is
near the entrance to the campground.
Follow the trail for 0.6 mile up to Lost Lake. Continue around the base
of East Beckwith to Dollar Lake, then join the Beckwith Pass Trail at
its first stream crossing just above the campground. The trail travels
approximately 2.6 miles through stands of conifer and aspen to the summit
of the pass. The trail crosses numerous streams and also brings users
close to high mountain lakes. Avoid the pass trail when rainy.
Swampy Pass - Easy to Moderate - 6 miles
Access: From Gunnison, travel North on Ohio Creek Road for about 18 miles.
The trailhead is located 1/2 mile north of the National Forest boundary.
This very scenic trail will lead you into the West Elk Wilderness where
you will get excellent views of the Castles. It ascends gradually to Swampy
Pass then descends gradually to the junction of Trail #438. Avoid using
this trail when rainy. This trail is heavily used by horse back riders.
Resources
Guide Books for Hiking in the Gunnison Valley
Timber, Talus & Tundra - Mary Ann Tarr
Hiking the Gunnison River Basin - Geraldine M. Bloomquist & Paul
Bloomquist
Both are available at The Bookworm at two locations:
211 N. Main in Gunnison
408 3rd Street in Crested Butte
USFS Maps and other Hiking Maps available in Gunnison
Bookworm, 211 N. Main St.
Eflin Sports, 701 N. Main St.
Gene Taylors Sportings Goods, 201 W. Tomichi Ave.
Gunnison Sporting Goods, 133 E. Tomichi Ave.
High Mt. Drifter, 114 S. Wisconsin St.
Traders Rendezvous, 516 W. Tomichi Ave.
USFS and BLM offices 216 N. Colorado
USFS Maps and other Hiking Maps available in Almont, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte
Three Rivers Resort, 130 County Rd 742, Almont
Alpine Outside, 315 6th St. 4-Way Stop, Crested Butte
Bookworm/Book Seller, 408 3rd St., Crested Butte
Eflin Sports, Slopeside Treasure Center Building, Mt. Crested Butte
Produced by:
The Gunnison County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council
1-800-274-7580
With support and help from:
Gunnison County MIS Department
Gunnison County Trails Commission
US Forest Service
216 N. Colorado St. Gunnison, CO 81230
(970) 641-0471
Bureau of Land Management
216 N. Colorado St.
Gunnison, CO 81230
(970) 641-0471
Curecanti National Recreation Area
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
Users are encouraged to consult USFS maps, quad sheets and more complete
reference materials for detailed information on these and other trails
in the Gunnison area.
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