How Far Is It to Wilderness?
UNDERSTAND THE FACTS ABOUT HOW FAR IT IS FROM LOCAL TRAILHEADS DURING WINTER
It's a "myth" that the quiet user can easily access wilderness in the CB area during the winter. Travel distances just to GET to wilderness boundaries present a challenge to the quiet user either on skis or snowshoes.
CRESTED BUTTE AREA
Kebler Pass
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Kebler Pass winter trailhead to Raggeds Wilderness near Star Pass via Lake Irwin
REMARKS:
Not recommended. Severe avalanche hazard above Lake Irwin.
OHV TRAFFIC:
Extremely heavy
CRESTED BUTTE AREA
Slate River
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Slate River winter trailhead to Raggeds Wilderness via Oh Be Joyful Trail
REMARKS:
None at this time
OHV TRAFFIC:
Moderate to heavy
CRESTED BUTTE AREA
Washington Gulch
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Washington Gulch distance from winter parking near Snodgrass trailhead to Raggeds Wilderness via Yule Pass
REMARKS:
Extremely hazardous avalanche danger.
OHV TRAFFIC:
Moderate
CRESTED BUTTE AREA
Gothic Road
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Gothic Rd. winter trailhead to Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness via Judd Falls
REMARKS:
Avalanche Terrain before Gothic should be avoided during high danger periods.
OHV TRAFFIC:
Light
CRESTED BUTTE AREA
Brush Creek
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Brush Creek trailhead to Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness via West Brush Creek Rd.
REMARKS:
N/A
OHV TRAFFIC:
Moderate to light
CRESTED BUTTE AREA
Cement Creek
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Cement Creek
REMARKS:
No wilderness accessible from Cement Creek.
OHV TRAFFIC:
Moderate
GUNNISON AREA
Swampy Pass
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Swampy Pass winter trailhead to West Elk Wilderness
REMARKS:
Trail parallels wilderness boundary. Mostly in wilderness. Little to no OSV traffic. Driving distance from CB to trailhead; 40.4 miles, 59 minutes. Driving distance from Gunnison to trailhead 21.7 miles, 37 minutes.
OHV TRAFFIC:
Light to None
GUNNISON AREA
Mill Creek
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Mill Creek winter trailhead to West Elk Wilderness
REMARKS:
Usually little OSV traffic. Driving distance from CB to trailhead; 34.2 miles, 49 minutes. Driving distance from Gunnison to trailhead 15.5 miles, 27 minutes.
OHV TRAFFIC:
Light to None
ALMONT / TAYLOR AREA
Summerville
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
Summerville TH to Fossil Ridge Wilderness
REMARKS:
Driving distance from CB to trailhead; 30.6 miles, 41 minutes. Driving distance from Gunnison to trailhead 23.2 miles, 32 minutes.
OHV TRAFFIC:
Light to None
ALMONT / TAYLOR AREA
Lottis Creek
to wilderness
One-way
TRAIL(S):
South Lottis Creek Campground to Fossil Ridge Wilderness
REMARKS:
Driving distance from CB to trailhead; 34.0 miles, 46 minutes. Driving distance from Gunnison to trailhead 26.7 miles, 37 minutes.
OHV TRAFFIC:
Light to None