SD = Sled Dog Areas
SS = Snowshoeing Areas
XC = Cross-Country Skiing Areas
Buckskin Creek (XC, SS, SM): From Colorado Highway 9 in the center of Alma (across from the Texaco station), drive 2.8 miles west on County Road 8 (Buckskin Road) to the Paris Mill. The road is normally plowed throughout the winter to this point. County Road 8 continues 2.7 miles west to Kite Lake, providing easy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in late winter. Skiers may want to follow the creek bed beyond the Sweet Home Mine rather than skiing on the road, which is often wind scoured. A number of obvious avalanche paths originate high above the valley between the Paris Mill and Kite Lake, but avalanche hazards are usually low for the entire distance, except after periods of heavy snowfall. Skiers and snowmobilers may continue up the gentle slope north of Kite Lake to an upper basin (toward Mt. Cameron), but it is recommended they stay well away from the steep slopes that surround this basin. Return the same way. Easy skiing to Kite Lake, moderate-to-difficult beyond.
The south and east faces of Mount Democrat offer spring snow climbing and extreme ski descent routes above Kite Lake. Use extreme caution, as high avalanche conditions persist in this area throughout winter and spring. Start early to avoid snow slides on spring days. Recommended for experienced ski mountaineers only during late spring.
Mineral Park Road (XC, SS, SM): Drive 2.8 miles west of Alma on County Road 8 to the Paris Mill. Just beyond the mill take Mineral Park Road (County Road 787) on the right and head 3 miles north to Mineral Park. This forest road winds through stands of Bristlecone pine and Engelmann spruce, with periodic views of the Mosquito Range and South Park. The route is suitable for both skiing and snowmobiling and presents minimal avalanche danger. From Mineral Park, ski mountaineers may climb 2,000 vertical feet up Dolly Varden Gulch toward the summit of Mount Bross. This climb affords a moderate-angle ski descent with minimal avalanche danger and outstanding views. Return the same way. Easy skiing to Dolly Varden Gulch, moderate-to-difficult beyond.
Mosquito Pass Road (XC, SS, SM): From Alma drive 1.5 south on Colo. Highway 9 to Mosquito Gulch turnoff (County Road 12). Drive 5 miles west on this road and park where the County stops plowing (American Mill). Ski or snowmobile west on the main road which climbs gently along North Mosquito Creek. Continue up the first steep grade of Mosquito Pass road to the North London Mine. From here the road traverses a long, hazardous avalanche area to the summit. Travel on Mosquito Pass beyond the North London Mine is strongly discouraged. As an option, at the set of old buildings on the north side of London Mountain (North London Mine), head north across the large Alpine basin (toward Cooney Lake). Return the same way. Moderate-to-difficult skiing.
Wheeler Lake Road (XC, SS): Drive 2.5 miles north of Alma on Colorado 9 and take County Road 4 northwest to Montgomery Reservoir. Park at the gate near the dam and ski west on the road around the north side of the reservoir. Follow the old mining road which climbs west of the reservoir inlet toward Wheeler Lake. The first 2.5 miles of road is moderate for cross-country skiing with minimal avalanche danger. The last mile of this tour climbs steeply up a narrow jeep road to Wheeler Lake. Avoid traversing or climbing steep slopes at the head of this basin, as avalanche danger remains high throughout the winter above Wheeler Lake. Return the same way. Moderate-to-difficult skiing.
Hoosier Pass (XC, SS): From Alma drive 8 miles north on Colorado 9 to the summit of Hoosier Pass. From the summit parking area, ski west along the old mining road which climbs gradually for the first 1/4 mile toward North Star Mountain. Just beyond timberline (west) is a dangerous avalanche path which releases across the road every winter. It is recommended that skiers avoid this slide area by gaining the ridge (northeast) before reaching this point. Beyond the slide path the road climbs up the southeast side of North Star Mountain. Return the same way. Moderate-to-difficult skiing.
East of the parking area is a road that climbs gradually toward a microwave communications tower and Hoosier Ridge. From the parking area, cross Colorado 9 and ski one mile east to the tower and timberline (moderate skiing). The slope just below the microwave tower is excellent for beginning telemark skiers who want to practice their turns. Skiers may continue east up a gentle slope to Hoosier Ridge, but should avoid the north-facing slopes that drop into Cornice Creek. Return the same way.
The Bemrose Ski Trail (X-C, SS) begins on the north side of Hoosier Pass Summit. To avoid backtracking, park a second vehicle at the intersection of Colorado 9 and Summit County Road 670 on the north side of the pass. From the top of the pass the trail follows an old water ditch for 2.5 miles to the northeast. The trail then leaves the ditch on the left and descends a series of moderate slopes through the trees to the highway. Easy skiing in the water ditch, moderate beyond.
Burning Bear Trail (XC, SS): From Grant take Guanella Pass Road (County Road 62) 5 miles north to the Burning Bear Trailhead. From here the trail follows Burning Bear Trail and provides easy ski touring for 2.5 miles up Burning Bear Creek. At this point the trail climbs 1.2 miles to the ridge summit (difficult) then drops down Lamping Creek to the west trailhead in Hall Valley (most difficult). It is recommended that skiers turn around at or before the ridge summit. Proceeding down Lamping Creek will require leaving a second vehicle at the west trailhead in Hall Valley to avoid backtracking 6.7 miles.
Buno Gulch/ Kirby Gulch (XC, SS): From Grant take Guanella Pass Road (County Road 62) north 6.7 miles to the Buno Gulch Trailhead, just south of Duck Creek Picnic Ground. From the trailhead ski west about one mile across an open meadow, past the rail horse corral. Take the left fork and continue west past the road closure on Buno Gulch trail for 2.5 miles (easy). Return the same way or turn right (north) on the South Park Trail (#600) which climbs 500 vertical feet to the upper end of Kirby Gulch (difficult). Once in Kirby Gulch, follow the creek back down (east) to the Geneva Creek Trail and Geneva Park.
Geneva Creek and Geneva Park Trails (XC, SS): Access is described under Buno/Kirby Gulch. This system of interconnecting loops provides the easiest ski touring in the area. From the Buno Gulch Trailhead ski west 1 mile across an open meadow to the rail horse corral. At the corral take the right fork which follows a 2-track road. This road connects with Geneva Creek trail, west of Geneva Park Campground. To return to the start, turn right on Geneva Creek Trail. To extend the tour, turn left and follow Geneva Creek west past Kirby Gulch to Forest Road 119. Turn right on FR 119 and ski back to Geneva Creek Campground on the road. If the longer option is chosen, snowmobiles may be encountered along the return route (FR 119). Easy skiing.
Geneva City Road (SM): From Grant take Guanella Pass Road (County Road 62) north to Geneva Park Campground. Park at the campground and ride northwest on Forest Road 119. The first 3 miles to Smelter Gulch entail relatively flat riding on an old wagon road. Beyond Smelter Gulch the road becomes steep and traverses several obvious avalanche paths just below timberline. It is recommended that snowmobilers not attempt to cross these paths which slide frequently during winter. Return the same way.
Geneva Basin Ski Area (XC, SS): Park at the gate of this abandoned ski area, 2 miles south of Guanella Pass Summit on County Road 62. From the old parking area, follow the snowcat access road to timberline, to the left of the old chairlift cut. Return the same way or ski down through the trees. Avoid traversing north past the trees, as this is an obvious avalanche area. Moderate to difficult skiing.
Guanella Pass Summit (XC, SS): From Grant take Guanella Pass Road (County Road 62) twelve miles north to the summit of Guanella Pass. This expansive alpine area is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Park at the summit parking area and ski/snowshoe 2.5 miles southwest across rolling terrain toward Square Top Lakes. As an option, ski east of the summit parking area along the hiking trail toward Mt. Bierstadt, or south along Scott Gomer Creek trail. Avoid the steeper slopes of Mt. Bierstadt and Square Top Mountain which are prone to mid-winter snow slides. Easy to moderate skiing.
Deer Creek & Meridian Campgrounds (XC, SS): From U.S. 285 drive north on County Road 43 to Deer Creek or Meridian Campground. Forest trails 603, 604 and 636 provide winter access into the Mount Evans Wilderness above these campgrounds. Check with the South Platte Ranger District Forest Service Office for trail information and prevailing snow conditions.
Crow Gulch (XC, SS): From U.S. 285, take County Road 43 north to Saddlestring Road. Turn left and drive to Forest Road 101. Park and begin skiing south on Forest Road 101. At the first fork in the road, ski left up Crow Gulch (5.5 miles, moderate). Return the same way.
Gold Dust Trail (XC, SS): Drive northwest of Como on County Road (CR) 33 to CR 50. Follow CR 50 west (left) for 2 miles to the Gold Dust Trailhead at the mouth of Montgomery Gulch. From the trailhead ski northwest (right) along the trail through dense timber for about 1/2 mile, then along an old water ditch for the next 2 miles. At this point the trail meets Forest Road (FR) 801. Take a right on FR 801 which heads southeast past Selkirk Campground to County Road 50. Easy skiing.
Georgia Pass Road (SM, SD, XC, SS): Drive northwest of Jefferson on County Road (CR) 35 to CR 54 (Georgia Pass Road) as far as it is plowed. Park and tour northwest 7 miles on CR 54 to the summit of Georgia Pass. Beware of an avalanche path 1 mile below the summit. This tour provides spectacular views from the Continental Divide. The main road is best suited for snowmobiling and sled dog teams but numerous side trails along the route offer unlimited backcountry access for skiers. Return the same way. Easy skiing on County Road 54.
Beaver Creek Area (SM, SD, SS, XC): This 27-mile trail system has been developed as a State snowmobile area and is therefore best suited for snowmobiling and sled dog teams. The myriad of primitive roads in this area also provide excellent backcountry touring on packed trails for cross-country skiers. From Fairplay take 4th Street to Beaver Creek Road and drive 2.5 miles north to the National Forest parking area (cattle guard). The main road climbs gradually for 4 miles along Beaver Creek. Side-trails off of the main road are marked with orange diamonds (moderate to difficult). Both Trout Creek and Crooked Creek are accessible from Beaver Creek Road (difficult). A short (one mile) loop beginning and ending at the parking area is reserved exclusively for cross-country skiers (easy). NOTE: Some roads in this area are now closed to the public as a result of residential development.
Trout Creek (SM, SD, SS, XC): From Fairplay, take U.S. 285 one mile north and turn left on County Road 669. Drive 2.5 miles north on CR 669, past a small pond on the right to the National Forest gate (cattle guard). From here Forest Road 194 heads north to Trout Creek (4.5 miles, easy skiing). This logging road winds through stands of aspen, pine and spruce, with intermittent meadows. It is suitable for snowmobiling, sled dogging, cross-country skiing. North and south Crooked Creek offer side excursions and connect with the Beaver Creek area described above. Breakneck Pass (SM): From Fairplay take U.S. 285 south for 5 miles and turn right on Weston Pass Road (County Road 5). About 3 miles west of the highway, take Forest Road 175 which forks to the right. Drive northwest on this road as far as possible. Park and ride west over the summit of Breakneck Pass to Sheep Park and beyond. During some winters the entire pass is snow covered. More often there are intermittent sections of bare ground. This road offers easy riding with the exception of the last 1/2 mile to the summit which presents a moderate climb. Avalanche danger is minimal. Return the same way.
Horseshoe Basin (SM, SS, XC): From Fairplay drive 1.5 mile south on U.S. 285 to Fourmile Creek Forest Access Road. Turn right and drive west on County Road 18 as far as the road is plowed (usually about 6 miles). Park and ride or ski west toward the Leavick Mill. Take the second road on the left about 1 mile past Leavick Mill to Horseshoe Basin. This Alpine basin offers several route options near and above timberline. Stay on established roads and avoid steep slopes near the head of the basin. Return the same way. Easy skiing to timberline.
Tie Hack Trail (XC, SS): From Fairplay drive 1.5 mile south on U.S. 285 to Four Mile Creek Forest Access Road. Turn right on County Road 18 and drive west about 3.5 miles to the Tie Hack Trailhead. This 5.5 mile loop offers moderate skiing through dense pine and aspen.
Weston Pass Area (SM, SS, XC): From U.S. 285 south of Fairplay, drive west on Weston Pass Road (County Road 22). Continue driving as far as the road is plowed. Park and snowmobile up Weston Pass Road to the summit and beyond (conditions permitting). A large expanse of open meadows lies south of the summit for snowmobile exploration. Ski touring options for cross-country skiers include Weston Pass road which leads to Rich Creek Trail (#616) and Tumbling Creek Trial (#617). However, because Weston Pass road is not plowed during winter, these two trails may require skiing or walking several miles up the road to reach them. Consequently, this area is best suited for snowmobiles. Return the same way. Easy skiing along Weston Pass Road (CR 22).
Park County Tourism Office, P.O. Box 220, Fairplay, CO 80440 (719) 836-4279
South Park Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service, P.O. Box 219, Fairplay, CO 80440, (719) 836-2061
Further information on trails in the Pike National Forest can be obtained at the US Forest Service Public Information Center in Fairplay at the intersection on CO Hwy. 9 and US Hwy. 285. They also sell maps and have quite a selection of books available.
This is a 'no avalanche danger' trail in my experience, and is also an excellent choice to ski on the heavy snow, windy, stormy days, as the majority of the route runs through heavy lodgepole pine & spruce forests, where the route is sheltered.
ACCESS From the traffic light in the middle of Breckenridge on Main Street, turn west on Skihill Road; proceed up and through the parking area for the Breckenridge Ski area's Peak 8 base area, continuing on for another 1/3 mile on the same road, (which is also referred to as Summit County Road 3) , to the PEAKS TRAIL TRAILHEAD Parking Lot on your left.
Leaving an extra vehicle at the end of the trail works well for larger groups; Ending up at one of the restaurants in Frisco where a friend can pick you up is another way to do it. (We ended up in the MOOSE JAW on main street in Frisco for one of their monster burgers more than once!) A third option is to use the free SUMMIT STAGE which runs through Frisco to Breckenridge, where a transfer to one of the Ski area shuttle busses will take you (for free) to the Peak 8 base area.... or leave your vehicle at the end of the trail, and use the free transportation to get to the trailhead... too many choices!!!
This trail can get a bit steep & icy in places if the weather's been warm & sunny and it hasn't snowed for a while. I've traveled it on light touring skis on fresh snow, but prefer metal edged skis for most trips. As with any longer trail, get an early enough start to not be rushed, and allow plenty of time to get off the trail before dark; I remember spending up to 4-1/2 hours on this trail with less experienced skiers who weren't in a hurry... enjoy it!!!
While not a technically difficult trail, this is a long one for novice skiers, as the last 4 miles into Redcliff has very little grade, and can be a bit slower in certain snow conditions.
Open glade skiing on top of Shrine Pass is great, with only moderate avalanche danger on the steepest slopes off of the main trail. We've Tellied 'till we were pooped many times, climbing up to carve more turns, only to later realize it was still many miles into Redcliff!
The RENO CAFE in Redcliff is the 'end of trail' destination, serving fine Mexican food & beverages. Getting back to the parking lot at the top of Vail Pass will require either arranging a ride with someone else, leaving an extra vehicle in Redcliff ahead of time, or having a non-skiing friend meet you there; over the years, we've used all of these methods.
Check avalanche reports and advisories before venturing into the steeper terrain at the heads of any of the valleys in the Montezuma area. The main trail in the valley floors are less exposed to avalanche areas, although the old townsites of Argentine, Rathbone, and Decatur were all sucessively wiped out on the same site in the upper end of the Peru Creek valley in the late 1800's.
The old Pennsylvania millsite sits to the south side of the valley about 4 miles from the parking area, with Pennsylvania Mountain above on the continental divide honeycombed with over 50 miles of silver mining tunnels and shafts.
Skiing from road section down to the next road section below was our method, where we'd count bodies to make sure everyone was with us before diving off into the next section of trees.
Please be careful when parking to not park on private land, or block access by the private residents; some of them have less than friendly attitudes about rude or inconsiderate tourists!
Be cautious of possible avalanche danger if you intend to venture up onto the steeper terrain at the sides or head of any of these valleys.
Roads in the Upper Swan River Valley are not maintained in winter. Many of these trails are popular with Snowmobilers, and commercial tours run in these valleys, but if you head up the North Fork (on the left about a half mile beyond where the snowplows turn around) about another mile up the North Fork you'll find a valley and a road on your left again, blocked about 300 yards up with a road closure gate, following the right side of a valley headed back to the northeast. This was a timber sale road, built by the forest service. About a mile beyond the gate, where the road crosses the creek and bears back and up to the south, this valley gives the adventurous another option: if you bushwhack on straight up the valley on the right side of the creek (maybe another 3/4 mile) to the saddle, you find yourself just above and within a few hundred yards of the edge of "The Outback", the very south end of Keystone Gulch and the south end of the Keystone ski area.
Once you choose to leave the road, this route has no marked trail to my knowledge, and is not for the casual back country skier; get out your maps, and know where you're going if you wish to try this route! Be prepared; you're on your own until you get onto the ski area! From there, it's still several miles to the bottom of Keystone Gulch.
For further information on Cross Country skiing in Colorado, visit the COLORADO CROSS COUNTRY SKI ASSOCIATION WEBSITE. Links from there should give you all the information you desire!
For information specific to Park County, call either the Park County Tourism Office at (719) 836-4279, or the US Forrest Service office in Fairplay at (719) 836-2061 / 2031
Another smaller herd of Bighorn Sheep which call Silverheels Mountain home in the summer can be found occasionally wintering on Redhill Ridge along US 285, just about 3 miles north of Fairplay.
Antelope are doing well in South Park. During the winter, the best area to see them is along Hwy. 24 between Wilkerson Pass and Hartsel. In the summer, they can be found throughout the park.
Mountain Lions and Black Bears also call South Park home; while it's rare to actually encounter either, some hikers and skiers prefer to carry Pepper Spray for protection while in the back country.
You may also want to check out the Colorado Division of Wildlife website for related information.
Winter flying activities are concentrated at the south end of Lake Dillon, at the Farmer's Korner area near the new Summit County High School between Breckenridge and Frisco, where the snow covered shoreline and lake surface offer an ideal flying environment for ski equipped RC planes. On Sunday, February 17th, 2002, SPARCS will be hosting the 12th Annual Winter Fly-In at this site.
For information and photos of flying sites and activities in the area, including slope flying sites in South Park, as well as further information on SPARCS and flying activities, you should visit this RC FLIGHT website.
For further information of Fly Fishing on the Web, you may want to visit THE VIRTUAL FLY SHOP , and check there on the Rocky Mountain Regional Fishing Center.
Antero reservoir , West of Hartsel on the north side of Hwy. 24, also offers access for ice fishing, but was drained down extensively for work on the dam in the summer of 1997, and may not fish as well for a while.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir, just above Elevenmile Reservoir, is closed to ice fishing.
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Better snowmobiling conditions are found at higher elevations in this area of Colorado. Check out the
