Mt Elbert Shoulder

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

This is a gorgeous trail that is best done as an out-and-back in the autumn to appreciate the turning aspens. The trail is not generally crowded.

This is a gorgeous mostly easy out-and-back route. The starting point is remote, but you can easily reach it with a basic 2WD car along a good dirt road. The remote location gets you away from the crowds.

The route starts with easy dirt road through nice trees, gentle up hill climb. Go around the gate--it is just for vehicles. When you reach a clear fork after 3 miles, take the right uphill route. (If you miss the fork, the road dead ends in 1/2 mile). After going right at the fork, in 1/4 mile you reach a nice section of the Colorado Trail. It is fairly easy singletrack with some short stretching being intermediate in difficulty. There are occasional great view through the trees.

Follow the trail through the open trees for 2 miles until you reach beaver ponds. There will be more people here but the ponds are gorgeous. This is a good spot for a break with nice views. And in fall, the aspen leaf color is amazing. Then return the way you came.