Golden Aspens - Late September / Early October Woods Walk Trails (Beginner) - These trails are very popular amongst visitors and locals alike and can sometimes get a bit crowded mid summer. Mainly because they can be accessed from the west side of town in a multiple of locations. They are also a common connector to the Budd Trail and Lower Loop. The lower portion of the trail which runs parallel to Peanut Lake Rd is an old railroad grade and is probably the flattest trail in town. The upper portion, which is closer and directly behind town has a few options that wind through a lush aspen grove and some small open meadows which make for spectacular fall color strolls in September and October. During the summer these forested sections are full of Lupine and Columbine. Whether you are using these trails to connect to the vast network of singletrack surrounding the Slate River valley, or just wanting to take the pup for a short walk, you are sure to enjoy the Woods Walk.
Access: There are three main access points with parking and a couple more that are used as short-cuts coming from town. The first, and main one is just off of 1st & Butte. There is parking on the right just after you get onto Peanut Lake Rd which is dirt. You will see the trail going up on the left just before the parking lot. The second is just as you head out of town via Kebler Pass Rd. The trail will be on the right a quarter mile up the first hill on a sharp left hand bend. Parking is on the left on the inside of that same bend. Finally, you can park by the "alien shack" near the end of Peanut Lake Rd about a mile and a half out of town. This access is more commonly used for the Lower Loop & Budd Trail.
Difficulty: This is a very easy trail since it is close to town and mostly on an old railroad grade. It is also one of the smoothest trails in the valley. There is very little climbing, and with so many different options of trails in this small network you will be sure to find something that fits your fitness level and aesthetic needs.
When To Run It: Due to the mountain (base of Red Lady) right next to the trail, the snow takes a while to melt in the spring. Even then, it still hast to dry out. It should be open by May though, and hopefully the mud will have dried up by then. June brings lush green grass and vibrant wildflowers that continue to bloom through August. September & October is my favorite time with the Aspens turning to gold and the air clear and crisp. If you are lucky you can squeeze a few more runs in during November, but it's not that uncommon to have snow by the end of October.
Connecting Trails - There are three singletrack trails that connect directly to the Woods Walk. The closest is "The Plunge" which is the most direct access to Red Lady (Mt Emmons - 12,392 ft). It connects just a half mile out of town is a 4.5 mile climb to the summit. At the end of the Woods Walk you can connect to the "Budd Trail" or with a short jaunt on a dirt road, the "Lower Loop".
Suggested Loops: Below are a few loops that I do on a regular basis. Click on the link to see the exact stats and route via Garmin Connect.
Access: There are three main access points with parking and a couple more that are used as short-cuts coming from town. The first, and main one is just off of 1st & Butte. There is parking on the right just after you get onto Peanut Lake Rd which is dirt. You will see the trail going up on the left just before the parking lot. The second is just as you head out of town via Kebler Pass Rd. The trail will be on the right a quarter mile up the first hill on a sharp left hand bend. Parking is on the left on the inside of that same bend. Finally, you can park by the "alien shack" near the end of Peanut Lake Rd about a mile and a half out of town. This access is more commonly used for the Lower Loop & Budd Trail.
Difficulty: This is a very easy trail since it is close to town and mostly on an old railroad grade. It is also one of the smoothest trails in the valley. There is very little climbing, and with so many different options of trails in this small network you will be sure to find something that fits your fitness level and aesthetic needs.
When To Run It: Due to the mountain (base of Red Lady) right next to the trail, the snow takes a while to melt in the spring. Even then, it still hast to dry out. It should be open by May though, and hopefully the mud will have dried up by then. June brings lush green grass and vibrant wildflowers that continue to bloom through August. September & October is my favorite time with the Aspens turning to gold and the air clear and crisp. If you are lucky you can squeeze a few more runs in during November, but it's not that uncommon to have snow by the end of October.
Connecting Trails - There are three singletrack trails that connect directly to the Woods Walk. The closest is "The Plunge" which is the most direct access to Red Lady (Mt Emmons - 12,392 ft). It connects just a half mile out of town is a 4.5 mile climb to the summit. At the end of the Woods Walk you can connect to the "Budd Trail" or with a short jaunt on a dirt road, the "Lower Loop".
Suggested Loops: Below are a few loops that I do on a regular basis. Click on the link to see the exact stats and route via Garmin Connect.
- 4-5 Mile Loops: From the middle of town, you can easily get a 4 - 5 mile run by using just the woods walk trails. Like I said above, it is more common to use these trails to connect to one of the 3 other trails that branch off of it.
This post is part of a series highlighting the amazing trail running in and around Crested Butte, Colorado. The information from this post, along with all other trails which I have written about can be viewed HERE. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you out there!
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