Facility · Colorado ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
White River National Forest (NF) · Open Access
ALERT: Due to recent bear activity, bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
This is one of the most challenging of our trails in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness. It follows East Creek and much of the Gift Creek and rises to a spectacular pass of over twelve thousand feet. Because of its difficulty this is a seldom used trail increasing the hiker's chance of seeing a large variety of wildfife. Water is readily available but should be treated before drinking. This makes an excellent, but challenging way of returning from a hike to Avalanche or Capitol Lakes. The trail ends at the junction with the Avalanche Creek trail.
39.17921, -107.23200 · 39°10'45.2"N 107°13'55.2"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.3 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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