Featured Hike #4 Carbon Mountain
Difficulty: Advanced Intermediate
Time: 4-6 Hours
Photo: Allen Smith
Start your car, we are headed to Ohio Pass Road where you will be introduced to the beautiful and colorful Carbon Mountain. Carbon Mountain stands at 12,088ft and is a quick 30 minute drive from the town of Crested Butte. Drive up Kebler Pass making your way past Irwin before getting a glimpse of the spectacular Ruby Range in front of you. After passing Irwin, turn left on to Ohio Pass Road and drive another 5 miles before reaching the trailhead parking lot. (Also, if you continue down Ohio Pass Road, you will eventually end up in Gunnison, CO.) This is an alternate route from CO-135 with some unbelievable views! As you approach the Carbon Mountain trailhead, look out and find Castle Mountain in the distance and be marveled by its creation.
Photo: Allen Smith
Once you locate the trailhead, you will come across a small river. Cross the river and continue straight through some aspen trees. The trail is not quite defined, but continue on and eventually you will run into the trail. For this reason, we have marked this trail as advanced intermediate, because the single track trail can be challenging to find.
Photo: Allen Smith
Carbon Mountain trail has three distinct areas. First, you walk through a jungle of aspen trees, and depending on the amount of moisture Crested Butte gets during the spring months, you will most likely be surrounded by a sea of beautiful wildflowers and greenery everywhere. It is extremely epic! The next section of trees you will come across will be spaced out pine trees. In this section, the trail becomes a bit steep, so take your time and bring lots of water. We stopped on multiple occasions to relax and take in the beautiful West Elk Mountain range behind us. The last few miles of the hike before reaching the summit of Carbon Mountain feature a blanket of rocks. We recommend quality hiking boots in this section because these rocks are heavy and can be slippery at times. I wore trail running shoes on this hike, but quickly regretted it when I made it to this rocky section.
Photo: Allen Smith
You have made it! Now take a seat on a rock as you take in the amazing views at every angle. Mt. Crested Butte, Gunnison, the Ruby Range, the San Juan Mountain range and others are easily viewable from the peak giving you a different perspective of the Gunnison Valley. Pat yourself on the back as you have just conquered a challenging, yet awesome mountain.
Photo: Allen Smith
This hike will take anywhere from 4-6 hours from start to finish. We highly recommend checking the weather before going on any hike in the Gunnison Valley as afternoon thunderstorms are very common in the area. Take your time, have fun and be safe.