Virtual Dillon Ranger District - Welcome to the Virtual Dillon Ranger District located in Summit County, Colorado

	THE VIRTUAL DILLON RANGER DISTRICT MORE DIFFICULT 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

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

TO VIEW THE ROG SHEETS FOR MORE DIFFICULT CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING TRAILS:

1. SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO SEE A TRAIL DESCRIPTION FIRST

2. GO STRAIGHT TO THE ROG SHEET BY CLICKING ON THE ROG NUMBER ABOVE

MORE DIFFICULT TRAILS

25. SPRUCE CREEK FDT 58 - 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 10,203 feet and ends at an elevation of 12,091 feet, with a highest elevation of 12,129 feet. The elevation gain is +1,888 feet. From the parking area, the trail leads off to the left toward Spruce Creek and is marked by the traditional tree blazes (removal of square-ish pieces of tree bark). Continue on the trail through a thick lodgepole pine and aspen forest. Just past the intersection with the Wheeler National Recreation Trail (FDT 39) you will reach a large clearing surrounded by peaks. At this point you may wish to head north and intersect with the Spruce Creek Road because of the high avalanche potential further along the trail. The view from the top of this trail of Mt. Helen and the rugged southern section of the Tenmile Range make for a spectacular conclusion of this trail. The trail difficulty is rated MORE DIFFICULT. For directions and a topographic map of the trail 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