Trail Report

This report is subject to change and trails marked as CLOSED are for mechanized modes of travel. Hike and ski (yes, you can still ski the high country!) all you want! Have fun out there, and don't forget to give the wildlife some space.

If our Scenic Byways and country roads are the kind of "trails" you enjoy most, check out some of the many Road Biking options around Gunnison County. As the snow melts the roads are a great place to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery.
NEW Road biking page, check it out!

Please continue to use common sense and respect our trails by staying off them if they are wet, or where posted for Sage Grouse Habitat, cattle closers, private property, or otherwise.

Sign-up for the newsletter and be the first to know about other springtime trail openings, important closures, trail related events, and more.

Happy trails!

Gunnison

Hartman Rocks is an easy choice for locals and guests who are looking for High and Dry trails early spring/summer. I have been amazed at how well the trail system is holding up. A big thanks goes out to all who have worked to make this 70+ mile single-track and 100 mile trail system sustainable!

The Gunnison Trails group has helped create some new routes and improve existing trails so be sure to ride ‘em all! If you have questions about specific closures please contact the Gunnison Field Office for the Bureau of Land Management at 970/641-0471 M-F 9am - 5pm. Please close any gates behind you.
For details on how to get to Hartman Rocks visit our Hartman Rocks Page.

If you want to explore some other areas around Gunnison, stop by a local bike shop for recommendations in the Signal Peak and Ridgeline Trail systems above Western State College!

Hartman Rocks IS 99% OPEN! (Aberdeen is closed for Sage Grouse)

The Gunnison Sage Grouse Closures will be in effect from June 15 - Aug 31.

*Sage Grouse Closures on the Aberdeen Loop and other trails are a compromise measure that was identified in the management plan to reduce disturbance in those stream side habitats during the critical brood rearing time for Sage Grouse. We chose this seasonal closure rather than complete closure of the trails to try to maintain as much single track trail as possible. But we need your compliance with the seasonal closure to prove that recreationists can respect seasonal closures to reduce the impacts of their use on other critical resource values. If the closures are not respected then it is unlikely that similar attempts at compromise will be considered in the Basin Wide Transportation Planning effort that is now underway. Your cooperation will help ensure more riding opportunities. Thanks. Arden Anderson

• NEW Sage Grouse Educational Information

OUTER AREA TRAILS:

Crest Trail - Not Recommended-- There are some  huge snow patches still up high!
Timberline Trails - CLOSED
Canyon Creek - CLOSED
Agate Creek - CLOSED see Crest Trail Description Above
Flying Dutchman - OPEN
Low Line Trail - OPEN
estimated high alpine trail openings will be in mid-July

Crested Butte and Surrounding Trails

TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS AND RATINGS >>

Lower Loop OPEN (wet)
The Upper Loop, the Upper Upper, and Whetsone Vista OPEN
Walrod Cutoff / Trail #418 OPEN
Strand Hill OPEN
Farris Creek / 402 OPEN
Deer Creek OPEN
Doctor's Park OPEN- Big River Crossing!
Trail #409 OPEN The trail is dry and riding well but still a lot of rocks! Beautiful flowers on Walrod Cutoff! Mules Ears, Lupine, Larkspur. Keep an eye out for Shooting Stars and Fairy Slipper Orchids on 409.
Trail #412, #405.2a, #405 and #409 1/2 CLOSED Trail #405 Double Top and Block and Tackle  are NOT OPEN as of 7-1-08.
The other routes are clear of snow but have mud and running water on the trail (such as the 409 1/2 descent, some spots in the trees on the climb, and on the traverse on 405.2a and 405 in the dark timber. Straight down 405 to 409 (skipping 409 1/2) is dry.
Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadman NOT RECOMMENDED- This Trail is open, but CBMBA has received alot of negative feedback about this trails condition. As of July, 9th riding this trail is not advised. People who have mountain biked this trail have expressed grave disappointment with the condition.
Dyke Trail OPEN
Teocalli Ridge CLOSED- due to VERY high water crossings
Cement Mt. Trail CLOSED
401- Out & Back from Rustler's Gulch- do not attempt from the pass
403 CLOSED- Please respect closure
Snodgrass OPEN

The first CB trails to open are Lower Loop, Upper Loop, the Caves, and Strand, BUT PLEASE remember it is best to STAY OFF the trails during rainy/snowy periods and until officially opened. Additional trials exist and may not be listed here, but these represent the most popular and or are the best indicators of conditions. Stop by a local bike shop for maps and trail conditions before you ride!

NEW LIFT-SERVED TRAILS ON MOUNT CRESTED BUTTE
A new trail has been added to the back side of the mountain and is great access to and from Snodgrass. ALSO there is a new free ride trail near the Gold Link Lift.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers an assortment of lift-accessible single-track trails for all levels of mountain biking. The Red Lady Express lifts carries passengers and their bikes (lift ticket required). So ride the lift to access all of the trails described below and get ready for some fun-filled riding!

(Note: You can also ride on the mountain for free if you do not take the lift and you ride up the trails.)

» Download the Summer Trail Map in a PDF document

CBMR Mountain Bike Trail Descriptions

Aspen Park - From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, this trail is a wonderful descent through huge aspen groves. Or start from the base area, climb Houston, then turn right at the intersection with Aspen Park. 2.5 miles.

Avery Trail - From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, follow Aspen Park, then descend intermediate single track until linking with Houston. 0.8 miles.

Buckley Trail - Accessed from Aspen Park, Buckley is an intermediate single track which links back to Houston in the base area. 0.5 miles.

East River - From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, follow Houston to the intersection with East River. Enjoy a gentle a gentle ride along a dirt road with views of the Elk Mountain Range. This is an out and back trail. 1.8 miles each way.

Painter Boy - Accessed from Houston and East River, the lower section of Painter Boy is a great alternative to Houston for intermediate and advanced riders. The upper section of Painter Boy is a meandering single track through beautiful stands of aspen. 1 mile.

Prospector -- New for 2007! -- 2+ miles of nectar single-track meandering through aspens and wildflowers. This intermediate trail takes you to Gothic Road and finishes at the Snodgrass trail-head. Ride the trail as an out & back or take Gothic Road back to the base area. 2+ miles.

Rollercoaster - From the top of the Red Lady Express lift, follow Aspen Park for a short distance, then descend an advanced road until linking with Houston. 0.7 miles.

Upper Sink Trail - This intermediate single track connects Houston with the Sink Trail. 0.25 miles.

Waterfall - This trail lives up to its name! Accessed from Aspen Park, this expert single track is an exhilarating short cut which connects back to Aspen Park. 0.5 miles.

Wood's Trail - New for 2007! - A freeride downhill trail with man-made features throughout the trail. The trail is closed to hikers and horses. Ride at your own risk.

CAUTION: Hikers may be encountered on trails:
Hikers: please allow bicyclists and horses to pass
Bikers: please respect hikers and horses and make your presence known well in advance

CBMR Suggests- Be Prepared