THE VIRTUAL

DILLON RANGER DISTRICT

EASY CROSS-COUNTRY

 SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING ROGs

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING TRAILS

THIS WEB SITE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE USDA FOREST SERVICE

HOMECAMPGROUNDSFEEDBACK

OVERVIEWPERMITSPHOTOSPROJECTS

TRAIL INFOVOLUNTEERWEDDINGSWILDERNESS

Before venturing out into the forest and backcountry be sure that you are familiar with current weather conditions and forest regulations.  Each visitor should study the information on the trailhead bulletin board and/or go into the Forest Service office at 680 Blue River Parkway in Silverthorne to obtain the latest copy of the RECREATION OPPORTUNITY GUIDE (ROG) before heading out on any particular trail.

FOR CURRENT AVALANCHE CONDITIONS CLICK ON THE AVALANCHE ROSE

FOR THE WINTER RECREATION SURVIVAL GUIDE CLICK BELOW

TIPS FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS AND SNOWSHOERS:

Always wear warm clothes and dress in layers.  It is advisable when entering the backcountry to be prepared for avalanche conditions by carrying an avalanche beacon, probing poles, warm clothing, plenty of food and water and a cell phone if you need to call for help.  Down-slope skiers must yield to up-slope skiers.  Likewise, snowshoers must yield to cross-country skiers.  Slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking another skier or snowshoer.  Always control speed because unexpected obstacles may appear suddenly.  Avoid damaging fragile alpine environment by traveling on marked trails only.    Always treat the land with care and respect by observing the principals of "Leave No Trace".   CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON LEAVE NO TRACE.  Always be prepared for sudden afternoon snowstorms with adequate backcountry gear.  Be careful not to accidentally leave any litter along the way; including cigarette butts.  Always be careful with fire - a camp stove is the preferred method for cooking or heating in the backcountry.

If you plan on backpacking into the backcountry and set up a campsite you should check out our pages that have all the BACKPACKING and DISPERSED CAMPING regulations.

If you see a particular CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING or SNOWSHOEING trail that interests you, click on the trail name and you will be taken the ROG sheet for that trail.  The trail links contain the same Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) sheets that you can get at the Dillon Ranger District office.  The front side of the ROG sheet contains route information such as: route difficulty, length, directions on how to get to the trailhead, interesting information on the route and any important information that route users might need to know.  The back side of the ROG sheet contains a custom topographic map highlighting the route along with an elevation profile.

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN WINTER RECREATION PAGE

BEMROSE SKI CIRCUS ROG BOREAS PASS ROAD ROG BURRO ROG FRENCH GULCH ROG KEYSTONE GULCH ROAD ROG LILY PAD ROG MAYFLOWER GULCH ROG MEADOW CREEK ROG MESA CORTINA ROG MINERS CREEK ROAD ROG PERU CREEK ROAD ROG ROCK CREEK ROAD ROG SAINTS JOHN ROAD ROG SALLY BARBER MINE ROAD ROG VAIL PASS WINTER RECREATION AREA ROG WHEELER LAKES ROG

TO VIEW THE ROG SHEETS FOR EASY CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING TRAILS:
1.  SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO SEE A TRAIL DESCRIPTION FIRST
OR
2.  GO STRAIGHT TO THE ROG SHEET BY CLICKING ON THE ROG NUMBER ABOVE

 

EASY TRAILS

1.  BEMROSE SKI CIRCUS - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  The trail begins at an elevation of 11,536 feet and the highest elevation is 12,479 feet.  The elevation gain is -8 feet.  The Bemrose Ski Circus has a series of interconnecting trails for all ability levels.  The area's low potential for avalanches makes it an attractive area for beginner to intermediate skiers.  After the first mile, options for a few downhill turns are plentiful.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

2. BOREAS PASS ROAD CR 10 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING AND SNOWMOBILING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  The trail begins at an elevation of 10,306 feet and ends at an elevation of 11,489 feet, with a highest elevation of 11,489 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,183 feet.  A large portion of this trail passes above timberline.  For this reason be sure to check the weather forecast and choose a clear day for your trip.  Wind has a tendency to cause big snow drifts on this trail, especially at the summit.  At the start of the tour you immediately have spectacular views of the Blue River Valley and the majestic Ten Mile Range.  The tour travels .4 miles before reaching Rocky Point where the entire Ten Mile Range is visible.  The road continues past Baker's Tank to the summit of Boreas Pass, on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 11, 489 feet.  From 1872 to 1938 the road was used as a narrow-gauge railroad and gained fame as the nation's highest narrow-gauge railroad, running from Como to Breckenridge.  The road follows the old South Park and Pacific Railroad bed, climbing on a gradual 3% grade.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

3. BURRO FDT 80 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING AND SNOWMOBILING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  The trail begins at an elevation of 9,888 feet (Peak 9 access) and ends at an elevation of 10,095 feet (Spruce Creek access), with a highest elevation of 10,345 feet.  The elevation gain is +207 feet.  Look for the blue diamonds that are on the trees once you get into "The Crown" subdivision.  Use these to guide you to the trailhead through some questionable intersections with the newer roads.  This trail may be accessed either from the Peak 9 area in Breckenridge or the Spruce Creek area south of Breckenridge.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING TRAILS

4. FRENCH GULCH FDT 651 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  The trail begins at an elevation of 10,315 feet and ends at an elevation of 12,055 feet, with a highest elevation of 12,064 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,740 feet.  The trail starts past the gate that is across French Gulch Road and follows the road for a ways.  Mt. Guyot will come into view as the road traverses Humbug Hill.  You will pass several privately owned cabins, then continue southeast on a pleasant rolling run with a spectacular view of Bald Mountain.  Gold was discovered in French Gulch in 1860 by French Pete.  This valley proved to be wildly rich in gold, silver, lead and zinc.  You will see remains of many mines in this area, as well as the rounded rock piles left by dredge boats.  The mining ruins and tailings are typically on private land and can be very dangerous.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MODERATE.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

5.  KEYSTONE GULCH ROAD FSR 175 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  The trail begins at an elevation of 9,282 feet and ends at an elevation of 11,645 feet, with a highest elevation of 11,645 feet.  The elevation gain is +2,363 feet.  The Keystone Gulch Road gradually climbs through a heavily forested area for about 5 miles.  This portion is suitable for beginners.  You may encounter alpine skiers from Keystone Ski Area utilizing this road, so beware of their presence.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MODERATE.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

6.  LILY PAD FDT 50 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS YOUR DOG MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  The trail begins at an elevation of 9,883 feet and ends at an elevation of 9,921 feet, with a highest elevation of 9,951 feet.  The elevation gain is +38 feet.  The trail provides a nice day trip even for the most beginner level.  The trail follows a flat grade from the Wilderness subdivision through lodgepole pine and dense aspen stands.  After a short distance, the trail passes a rock field and gradually begins the climb toward Lily Pad Lake.  There are great views of Dillon Reservoir and the entire Upper Blue River Valley from the trailhead.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING TRAILS

7.  MAYFLOWER GULCH FSR 1178 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  This trail begins at an elevation of 10,994 feet and ends at an elevation of 12,472 feet, with a highest elevation of 12,472 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,428 feet.  Begin traveling up the access road to the Mayflower Amphitheater and some mining ruins.  When you come to the cabins begin traveling up the open snowfield on the south side of Mayflower Gulch toward Tucker Mountain.  After approximately 1 mile, the trail descends easily toward the Mayflower Amphitheater providing a magnificent view.  A rounded ridge top shapes the left side of the amphitheater, with the pointed peak of Fletcher Mountain sitting squarely in the middle.  Avalanche danger may exist above timberline, so be careful!  The trail difficulty is rated EASY.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  Photos of this trail may be viewed by clicking HERE.

8.  MEADOW CREEK FDT 33 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS YOUR DOG MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  This trail begins at an elevation of 9,156 feet and ends at an elevation of 11,473 feet, with a highest elevation of 11,473 feet.  The elevation gain is +2,655 feet.  The first .5 miles will be fairly easy along the road to the actual trailhead.  Once on the trail itself the grade increases significantly as it passes through aspen stands.  Pleasant views of Dillon Reservoir can be seen from occasional  clearings.  The trail's grade drops slightly as you enter a lodgepole pine forest.  Near timberline, the trail opens up in a large meadow providing beautiful views of the surrounding area.  The descent is a thrilling downhill trip.  Avalanche danger may exist in the upper bowls above timberline.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

9.  MESA CORTINA FDT 32 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS YOUR DOG MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  This trail begins at an elevation of 9,209 feet and ends at an elevation of 9,433 feet, with a highest elevation of 9,433 feet.  The elevation gain is +223 feet.  The trail winds through aspen groves and into a meadow, which offers a great view of Dillon Reservoir and the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness.  Past the meadow is the Eagles Nest Wilderness boundary.  The trail then travels through lodgepole pine and crosses Willow Creek.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  Photos of this trail may be viewed by clicking HERE.

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING TRAILS

10.  MINERS CREEK ROAD FSR 1000 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING AND SNOWMOBILING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  This trail begins at an elevation of 9,134 feet and ends at an elevation of 9,918 feet, with a highest elevation of 9,988 feet.  The elevation gain is +784 feet.  Follow the road up and across the bike path.  Your first attraction will be Rainbow Lake, which is on the right-hand side.  Toward the end of the road you will notice the Peaks Trail - THE PEAKS TRAIL IS FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING ONLY!  The trail difficulty is rated EASY.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

11.  PERU CREEK ROAD FSR 260 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING AND SNOWMOBILING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  This trail begins at an elevation of 10,021 feet and ends at an elevation of 12,170 feet, with a highest elevation of 12,181 feet.  The elevation gain is +2,149 feet.  The trail follows Peru Creek Road up the Peru Creek drainage to Horseshoe Basin.  After .5 miles, Morgan Peak comes into view on the right and soon thereafter the snowcapped top of Copper Mountain is visible to your left across the valley.  Another mile further on you can see the Pennsylvania Mine to your right.  Travel another 1.2 miles and the Peruvian Mine will be visible to your left.  The trail then continues up into Horseshoe Basin and then curves around to the west to an unnamed lake.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MODERATE.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  Photos of this trail may be viewed by clicking HERE.

12.  ROCK CREEK ROAD FSR 1350 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS YOUR DOG MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  The trail begins at an elevation of 9,164 feet and ends at an elevation of 10,234 feet, with a highest elevation of 10,234 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,070 feet.  You will begin by traveling up a road that winds through lodgepole forest.  After traveling 2.5 miles up the road you will come to the Rock Creek trailhead sign.  Continue on the Rock Creek Trail (FDT 46) for .3 miles to the intersection with the Gore Range Trail (FDT 60) and continue west past the intersection.  Approximately 1.84 miles from the trailhead the Alfred M. Bailey Bird Nesting Area may be seen on the left side of the trail.  This site was designated a special management area in 1971 and contains examples of nearly all the many habitats found in the Gore Range.  [To view the Alfred M. Bailey Bird Nesting Brochure please check below]  On your left you will see a large meadow with several ponds.  The trail eventually ends at the historic Boss Mine.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MODERATE.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

   ** Please note that the brochure listed below is in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF). Before downloading the form, be sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader, a FREE program, installed on your computer. Just click the "Get Acrobat Reader" graphic to download the freely available Acrobat Reader Utility. Then double-click the executable file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

ALFRED M. BAILEY BIRD NESTING BROCHURE - BE PATIENT, LARGE FILE!!  To change the view of the form on-screen go to the Adobe Tool Bar and select Rotate Counterclockwise!!

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING TRAILS

13.  SAINTS JOHN ROAD FSR 275 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  This trail begins at an elevation of 10,302 feet and ends at an elevation of 12,322 feet, with a highest elevation of 12,373 feet.  The elevation gain is +2,017 feet.  Following Saints John Road, the trail rises quickly out of the town of Montezuma leveling off on the approach to the abandoned mining town of Saints John.  This segment of the road is 1.2 miles long, and is ideal for the beginner skier with a wide trail and only 470 feet of vertical rise.  For the more advanced skier, continue another 1.4 miles to the Wild Irishman Mine on Glacier Mountain.  The reward at the end of the trail is a spectacular view of Grays and Torreys Peaks to the northeast.  The Saints John Mine was the first silver strike in Colorado (1863).  This glacial valley boasted a mining camp, library, mill, smelter and sawmill, but no saloons!  This trail intersects potentially dangerous avalanche paths, especially above Saints John.  The town was partially destroyed during the late 1800's by an avalanche.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

14.  SALLY BARBER MINE ROAD FSR 559 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  This trail begins at an elevation of 10,293 feet and ends at an elevation of 10,699 feet, with a highest elevation of 10,699 feet.  The elevation gain is +406 feet.  Start your tour up French Gulch Road and in a short distance turn right onto the Sally Barber Mine Road.  This trail is just the right distance for a quick morning or afternoon tour.  Both the drive to the trailhead and the trail itself give reminders of the mining activity in the Breckenridge area.  Along French Gulch are located piles of smooth rock left from the gold dredging boat operations.  Look at the Blue River Valley, north of Breckenridge, for an example of modern reclamations of similar tailings.  The Sally Barber Mine produced a rich zinc ore and operated until 1909.  For a unique experience, tour the road to the Sally Barber Mine on a clear moonlit night!  The trail difficulty is rated EASY.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

15.  VAIL PASS WINTER RECREATION AREA - THIS IS A FEE DEMO AREA!  THIS AREA IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING AND SNOWMOBILING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  There are many trails available for use at this area, which is located in both the Dillon Ranger District and the Holy Cross Ranger District.  You can expect to encounter snowmobiles and other snow equipment, especially on weekends.  These trails, in particular, are used by sno-cats, so expect groomed conditions for all or part of the trail length.  A list of the trails in the Dillon Ranger District is:

     TRAIL NAME                LENGTH              TRAIL USE           DIFFICULTY 

A.  Corral Creek               2.31 miles            Moderate           Easy to Moderate

B.  Shrine Pass Road         2.61 miles            Heavy                Easy to Moderate

C.  Shrine Inn/Ptarmigan  3.38 miles            Moderate           More Difficult

D.  Wilder Gulch               3.59 miles            Heavy                Moderate

E.  Janet's Cabin/Wilder   3.96 miles            Moderate           More Difficult

F.  Guller Creek               4.62 miles            Heavy                Moderate

The trail difficulties are rated EASY to MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.  To view the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area Map & Text, click HERE. 

USE ZOOM TOOL IN ADOBE READER TO ENLARGE MAP & TEXT

   ** Please note that the document listed above is in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF). Before downloading the form, be sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader, a FREE program, installed on your computer. Just click the "Get Acrobat Reader" graphic to download the freely available Acrobat Reader Utility. Then double-click the executable file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

16.  WHEELER LAKES FDT 60 - THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING!  PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS!  BECAUSE THIS TRAIL TRAVELS INTO THE EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS YOUR DOG MUST BE ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX (6) FEET IN LENGTH!  The trail begins at an elevation of 9,700 feet and ends at an elevation of 11,093 feet, with a highest elevation of 11,122 feet.  The elevation gain is +1,393 feet.  You will pass several meadows on the way to Wheeler Lakes.  These can provide excellent skiing opportunities.  During winter the Wheeler Lakes Trail can be difficult to follow at times, so be careful.  Finding Wheeler Lakes can be a fun "map and compass" challenge.  The trail difficulty is rated EASY to MORE DIFFICULT.  For directions and a topographic map please see the ROG sheet.

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING TRAILS