Judd Falls Gunnison National Forest 2.3 mi (RT); 300 ft elevation gain. Go to the top. The trailhead from the road and transition between the switchbacks and final accent are not well marked, but easy enough to find if you follow the map. I found the Elk Mountain Adventure online, called early on Sunday before we left on Tuesday. There are breathtaking view of Grand County at the top above the tree line. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. In the summer, you’ll find delicate wildflowers and an abundance of beautiful wild animals. Elk Mountain Resort is surrounded by a beautiful national forest, attracting visitors from around the world. Next comes the alpine layer, known as the “land above the trees.” Here, you’ll spot a different set of greenery, along with birds, elk, and smaller mammals. Elk Mtn Trailhead is not marked - actual location = 40° 10' 17.1876'' N, 106° 8' 19.7016'' W. Parking is best in clearing across CR-21 where old drill site is located. Considered one of the top day hikes in the state, Missouri Lakes is for every skill … I will definitely return. The trail will be on the right side of the road with what looks like a 4x4 trail. Then drop down E along the shoulder before heading down to American Lake. Pretty decent 360 views - including Rocky Mountain National Park to the NE. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Good quick hike to the summit. Elk Mountain Ranch is secluded within the San Isabel National Forest near Buena Vista, CO. A pleasant two hour drive from Denver or Colorado Springs brings you to the heart of the Rockies. Updated and Revised in 2019 - An opinionated guide to the best hikes in one of Colorado's best hiking areas, the Sawatch and Elk Mountains in central Colorado around the towns of Aspen, Buena Vista, Crested Butte, Marble and Leadville. "Every poet is a thief." The views were incredible and the actual traverse wasn't extremely difficult making it a good mountain for less experienced hikers. Nestled into the Elk Mountains near Aspen and woven through with hiking trails and fishing holes, the iron-rich Maroon Bells are so sublime that more than … We'll spend much of the journey above … It’s perfect for everyone - families, couples, singles and small groups. Elk Mountain is a prominent mountain summit in the Rabbit Ears Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This trail challenged me but I could do it - for sure that last .5 mile is brutal for someone like me. The 360 view from the top was incredible, although there were a lot of ants and bugs. Great hike through the forest to top. 66 reviews. Start at abandoned forest rd 113 about a half mile north on Rd 112. Shadow Mountain Fire Lookout Trail [CLOSED], Granby Ranch Fraser Canyon Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY]. Be very careful on this section of the trail. We're backpacking on a loop of about 26 miles through the Elk Mountains' Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness on the western slope of the Rockies, using some of the highest maintained trails in the Lower 48. It is just past the meadow. The The distance between the two peaks is about a third of a mile. You follow the 4x4 trail up the switchbacks until you reach an open meadow the road travels through. You will travel uphill a little ways (about .25-.5 a mile) before you get above tree line and are nearing the summit. Spectacular opportunity to own the best value in dude ranching found deep in the Colorado Rocky Mountains! It was still muddy at places along trail up to meadow and a bit soggy coming out of the meadow. Oh, Joy! You must make time to visit Maroon Lake when here. Saw 2 bull moose, a herd of deer and a bunch of marmots and chipmunks on the way in. Hiked on Wednesday morning, only one around until decent from peak. Colorado Elk Hunting Ranch – Guaranteed High-Fence Trophy Elk Hunts In Western Colorado Mountains Elk and Deer Hunting, Weddings, Snowmobiling, Corporate Retreats, and Fishing Private Elk Hunting Ranch near Gunnison Colorado ALL Elk hunts are guaranteed. Elevation at the top is 11420’. There are a couple of slightly dodgy segments on the ridge - bad rock and considerable exposure on the Conundrum side - but it's easy enough to get over to Pt 13,540. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. "Lily Lake is a beautiful little mountain lake with an easy trail around … Elk Range Trail is a 6.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Golden, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Start from the Cathedral Lake trailhead. Excellent place to camp better than to hike. Crystal clear streams, pristine alpine lakes and lush green … View Elk Mountains Image Gallery - 217 Images. Days Required: 1-2 days. Castle Peak is the exception. Of the larger wilderness tracts in Colorado, the West Elk is perhaps the least well known. Beautiful at the top. The days are filled with horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, riflery, fishing, mountain biking and other activities. You won't be disappointed. One other pair of hikers, otherwise complete solitude. West Elk Mountains: Beckwith Pass from Lost Lake Gunnison National Forest 6 mi (RT); 500 ft elevation gain. I know! The end climb was enough to get your blood pumping and the views from the top were totally worth it! And I did miss the left turn mile and half in at first but went back to it. This trail is now fully accessible.  More Mountains & Rocks, Tellurium, A Rugged Peak Whose Summit I Could Not Reach, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness - Willow Lake, Lost Remuda Basin, Buckskin Pass, Four Days in Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Area, Sensory Overload in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Fall Break in the Maroon Bells - October 15-18, 2010, Colorado's Elk Range: Four Pass Loop (and More! Cool views on the top but the smoke does hinder them. The wildflowers were beautiful. Golden aspens illuminated by sunset light, with Marcellina Mountain in the distance. Begin your Colorado Dude Ranch Adventure, Explore: Turn left and bushwhack through the trees here as there is no distinct trail from this point. There is cell phone coverage at least for Verizon for most of the journey. The majestic brown animals, a symbol of the American west, dotted hundreds of … The views on the top are absolutely amazing and well worth the hard work to get there! Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. 40° 10' 17.1876'' N, 106° 8' 19.7016'' W. There's also a pink ribbon tied to a tree at the trailhead. When you get to the meadow you can see the four wheeler trail continue .Follow this trail 20 yards or so and go left up thru the clearing following a light trail. This intimate setting on 5 enchanting acres, is nestled in the National Forest at the end of 10 miles of country roads. Also look for the pink ribbon on a tree. One thing unique about the range is that hiker use is overall actually decreasing, rather than increasing as it is in most places in Colorado. There is also a blue post there now someone put in to mark the turn. No animals along the trail, only 3 humans and 2 dogs. If not for review from Cam McNair would have never found the trail. Sadly clear views of the smoke from the WIlliams Fork fire on the way down. See previous comments on how to locate the trailhead. 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