[zul]

Been enjoying Crested Butte nearly every summer for about 8 years. My mtb trail beta is pretty good, many thanks to this forum. This year, we'll switch gears by starting out by hiking or backpack for a few days/nights. (Don't get me wrong, there will be plenty of riding.) :thumbsup:

Will be in the area camping/condo-ing from July 11-17. Let me know if anyone wants to ride (My riding days will be July 13-17).

The current plan:

Drive Slate River Rd to FS 754. Hike Oh-be-Joyful via Trail 404. Is anyone familiar with this hike? Viewing the Lat 40 map, it looks like a good route with lots to see. Basins, lakes, peaks. These roads are a bit lower in elevation but still wanting to check that they are open. Will be driving a 4-runner but don't like to rip mud out of respect.

Are these roads and trails dry/open?
Does this hike get above tree line? How far is the hike to get up and above?
Lat 40 map question: Is there a way to decifer above tree line vs forested areas?

Is there dispersed camping/packing allowed in wilderness areas? Are there any restrictions/limitations (well, other than don't p*uk up our forest/wilderness areas and the usual bear precautions)??

May do some longish day hiking but will have the pack and gear to overnight. If the weather is cooperative, I'd like to spend a few nights at Peeler Lakes or something near Starr Pass.

Dizzying reasearch ... need help or other suggestions. Only a week away ...

thx!

 

[forkboy]

B
The current plan:

Drive Slate River Rd to FS 754. Hike Oh-be-Joyful via Trail 404. Is anyone familiar with this hike? Viewing the Lat 40 map, it looks like a good route with lots to see. Basins, lakes, peaks. These roads are a bit lower in elevation but still wanting to check that they are open. Will be driving a 4-runner but don't like to rip mud out of respect.

Are these roads and trails dry/open?
Does this hike get above tree line? How far is the hike to get up and above?
Lat 40 map question: Is there a way to decifer above tree line vs forested areas?

Is there dispersed camping/packing allowed in wilderness areas? Are there any restrictions/limitations (well, other than don't p*uk up our forest/wilderness areas and the usual bear precautions)??

May do some longish day hiking but will have the pack and gear to overnight. If the weather is cooperative, I'd like to spend a few nights at Peeler Lakes or something near Starr Pass.

Dizzying reasearch ... need help or other suggestions. Only a week away ...

thx!

734 is open to Paradise divide/Yule Pass trail.. 734 is totally doable by just about anything bigger than a Yaris. The road is fairly smooth, with only a couple iffy sections past where you'll be stopping. Your 4 runner will have no problem. You might want to keep on til the top of Paradise Divide for some a-frickin-mazing scenery... just for fun. Come back down 811 - 519 is inaccessible.

All the trails we were on were around 95% dried out. There's still a ton of snow on high north-facing slopes.... but you won't be up that high....

Leave no trace, etc. etc.