Corral Creek Bushwhack Snowshoe

Distance:  5.6 miles available, we did a 2.2 mile bushwhack
Elevation: 10,662 ft-11,079 ft
Elevation Gain: 417 ft (net) 681 ft (cumulative)
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes, in the parking area
Dogs: Off leash
Date Snowshoed: 22 December, 2012

Playing in the Corral Creek Basin

Corral Creek Basin is located north of Vail Pass behind a small ridge that separates I-70 from the southern extent of the Gore Range. Snowshoeing this area is surprisingly quiet, serene, downright worthwhile. The downside is the trail is part of the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area and there is a $6 per person fee to use it.

The trailhead is visible from the road and contains a small sign.

The trip begins at the Vail Pass Rest Area. During the winter there is a Forest Service kiosk and a handful of rangers standing by to collect your fee. Parking is authorized only on the south side of I-70 in the large parking lot that is part of the rest area. 

The first 0.5 miles is in the trees.  There were at least two tracks in this area and folks tried to find their way.

The trail head and kiosk is across the highway and 10 yards up a snowy slope. Pray that someone has been there before you because the blue blazes that are supposed to mark the trail exist for only the first quarter of a mile or so and many of these are old, cracked, and barely visible. At one point we saw 4 blazes dangling from the same tree like Christmas ornaments. This route could use a little maintenance!

The junction between the east and west spurs.  The first people through just decided it was here.  There was no markers.

On the map, this trail is a 0.5 mile slog up the ridge that connects to a 2.3 mile long trail that traverses both east and west along the Corral Creek Basin. The trail extends roughly 1.1 miles to the west and heads uphill while the eastward extent heads 1.2 miles and down into the basin. Depending upon your energy level, you can do all or part of this route.

Heading through the pristine snow on the westward spur

On this, our first trip we decided to head westward and uphill for maximum cardio. The trail was well tracked and the views down the basin of the the Ten Mile Range were pleasant indeed. It was not long, however before the track we were following headed across the basin and up the side of the ridge to the north. We debated whether to follow this trail or to continue westward and start breaking trail.  Without blazes we really did not know which route to take. The map shows the trail eventually curving northward but exactly where was difficult to discern.

Looking back down the basin at the Ten Mile Range.  With open spaces like this, who needs a trail?

We decided to take the the well tracked path because it descended into a beautiful meadow and headed up the far hill where we knew there would be views to the south. This turn was definitely off route but was a fun bushwhack none-the-less. It was not until we were half-way up the far hill when we looked back and could see a flat shelf continuing westward from the spot we had turned off. The trail undoubtedly stays on this shelf and we eventually saw some snowshoers head that way. 

Our bushwhack as we turned off the main trail and headed across the meadow to the bald hill in the distance.  Our turn around point was half-way up that hill just below treeline.  It was quite steep.

Crossing Corral Creek

When we returned to the parking area, we also noticed a small, bare hill further west, which is undoubtedly the destination for the northern extent of the route we were on. Without blazes or a tracked trail, staying on route in winter can be tricky but that can also be part of the fun. Normally I would not blog such an experimental experience but this area was so pleasant that staying on route is not necessary that important. With open meadows beckoning I am usually tempted to frolic anyway. 

Looking back across the meadow

Corral Creek is a snowshoe worth doing and I will return to try and stay on route as well as take the eastward route.  I may not do it again this year because I hate paying fees when there are so many free trails in the Copper Mountain area. A perennial favorite in the same area is Mayflower Gulch.

Looking at the Ten Mile Range from our turn around point

Sally Barber - True Romance Mine Snowshoe

Distance: 3 miles out and back to the Sally Barber Mine, 4.6 miles out and back to the True Romance Mine, 4 miles for the loop
Elevation: 10, 280 ft - 10, 685 ft (Sally Barber) - 11, 000 ft (True Romance)
Elevation Gain: 405 ft (Sally Barber), 720 ft (True Romance)

The ruins of the Sally Barber mine near Breckenridge CO are a popular snowshoe destination. 

The road to the Sally Barber Mine is a short, easy snowshoe to a interesting mining ruin near the town of Breckenridge CO. The route itself is uninspiring except for some nice meadow views at the beginning but for history buffs or cross country skiers, this is a great choice. If you are going only to Sally Barber, you might want to leave the snowshoes in the car and walk up on spikes since this popular route is usually well packed.

The parking lot

Trailhead sign

The route to Sally Barber starts in the same parking lot as French Gulch. 500 ft up the road, is a spur road with a gate. Follow this for 1.5 miles to the obvious ruin on the right hand side. Interpretive signs provide history of the mine itself and the local area.

The gate that indicates where the route to the Sally Barber Mine splits off from French Gulch

This route is popular with skiers because it is wide and gradual.

Across the road from Sally Barber is another gate and post indicating the route to the True Romance Mine. The route to the True Romance Mine goes straight up the hillside 300 ft through deep snow. There are no trail markers and lots of backcountry ski trails to avoid, so only do this if the route has been tracked or you have a GPS.

Snow mushroom along the route

Meadow view at the beginning of the route

Using a GPS, head upwards to the 11,000 ft contour which dead ends at a small bluff. The True Romance Mine is off to the left. From this point on the route is flat and follows what might be an old flume around the side of the hill. A few views of the northern Gore Range present themselves along the way.

Passing a serene winter creek

At 2.3 miles is a small plateau with a post with the works "True Romance" inscribed on it. There is no other ruin to mark the spot. At this point you have the choice of turning around and retracing your steps (4.6 miles total) or following what appears to be a road off to the right. Having never been to the area, we did not take this path and ended up on a less than pleasant bushwhack straight down the hillside.

The ruins of the Sally Barber Mine

Post at the start of the route to the True Romance Mine

View to the north from the 11,000 ft contour

We made this poor choice because someone had sprinkled the trees with pink reflective tape indicating a route down the mountain. We thought this was the route to the unnamed road we passed on the way up to Sally Barber. After trudging through trees, willows, and deep snow we finally intersected with the road that probably starts to the right of True Romance. I can not guarantee this, but the track on the GPS makes it a high probability so I feel comfortable sending you that way. 

True Romance Mine marker

So, for a short snowshoe just travel to the Sally Barber Mine. For a longer loop or out and back head up the hill for some increased cardiovascular activity. The True Romance Mine is not a destination spot, but your body and cholesterol levels will thank you for the extra effort.

Mesa Cortina Snowshoe

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation: 8,824 ft - 9,473 ft
Elevation Gain: 649 ft net (790 cumulative)

Bathroom at Trailhead: No

Dogs: Off leash until wilderness boundary (0.9 miles)

Tags: #snowshoe, #silverthorne, #coloradooutdoors

View from the Mesa Cortina Trail of family frolics 

The Mesa Cortina Trail is a popular trail in Silverthorne CO that in summer can be used as an after work doggie outing or connector trail to South Willow Falls. In winter, it makes for a pleasing snowshoe because it alternates between deep forest and open meadows.

The initial part of the trail travels through Aspens.

The trailhead is located in a residential area of Buffalo Mountain. There is a parking lot but no bathroom.

Looking back towards Lake Dillon from one of the early meadows

Shortly after the trailhead, the trail narrows and winds downwards through thick Fir trees covered in thick globs of snow. Protected and dark, I suspect this snow stays on the trees all winter. The only thing missing from this winter tableau was a Starbucks kiosk selling eggnog lattes.

The narrow Fir-laden part of the trail

Below this section is one of my favorite local meadows. The official route stays on the upper side with views of the Williams Fork Range, but the steep slopes and piles of snow are inviting and many a track attest to those who chose to frolic in the open.

Crossing another meadow

Beyond the meadow, the route begins a steep climb through a stand of mostly dead Lodgepole Pines. Stark and lonely, this segment will at least get your heart rate up.

Looking towards the Williams Fork Range

While in summer, I have traveled the entire length of the trail, in winter, I usually go out after work when time is limited and will stop after the trail levels out and begins its shift back towards the north. If you have plenty of time, you can continue all the way to the intersection with the Gore Range Trail. The scenery won't change much, though if you do.

Heading up hill into the trees. This segment is steeper than it looks.

Placer Trail Snowshoe

Distance: 3 mile loop
Elevation: 9,083 ft - 9,466 ft
Elevation Gain: 514 ft (cumulative)
Dogs: Off leash (Forest Service)

Sun glints through the high clouds in the clear area between Ryan Gulch Road and I-70.

On the slopes of Buffalo mountain between Ryan Gulch Road and I-70 is a swath of Forest Service land filled with social trails that interconnect in a million different ways. Since I frequent the area, this zone has become my place for after work or mid-day doggie outings.

Standing in the meadow near the trailhead and looking south towards I-70 and the Eisenhower tunnel

Mt. Guyot (13,370 ft) is usually visible from the meadow.

This post covers one route through this maze. It it not meant to be a guide to a particular trail but a taste of the area, particularly since there is no parking any where near our starting point.

Crossing the second meadow with Peak 1 in the distance

The right turn to cross the creek and stay on the Placer Trail

My route started at the trailhead due south of the Silver Queen West Condominiums and headed straight across a large "meadow" that is really a clear cut area. At the far end of the meadow, the trail splits. I took the left fork and headed down the hillside to another junction in a large meadow. The junction is marked by a large wooden sign that says Placer to the right and Columbine to the left. I took the right fork.

The flat zone of the Placer Trail

Looking down on I-70

The Placer Trail at this point heads down to the creek and around a bend. In the summer, I cross here and head north towards the Salt Lick Trail. In winter, the trail forks again with one route heading due east and the other crossing the creek at small pumping station. Both routes were well tracked. I crossed the creek.

Heading east again after descending from I-70

From this point, the route stays in the trees and follows a level path that might be an old flume or a irrigation ditch. It heads steadily towards I-70 and eventually comes out right below it. I took a quick jaunt up the hill to look 0ut on the zooming traffic. Directly across from this ascent the trails heads back down hill to small valley and then heads west.

The trail eventually heads north again across a small valley. The Salt Lick Trail is ahead in the trees.

Before long, the trail veered north across another valley and crosses the Salt Lick Trail. The Salt Lick is the one official trail in the area. The trail head is located at the first switchback of Wildernest Hill and the trail goes straight up the valley until it intersects the trail to Lilly Pad Lake.

Coming out at the Salt Lick Condominiums

Heading straight north up the center of the clear cut area towards Buffalo Mountain

After crossing the Salt Lick, my route headed uphill through a small gully filled with interesting rock formations and came out right at the Salt Lick Condominiums. From here the trail forked in many directions, but it was obvious which trail headed west towards Buffalo Mountain and our starting point. I followed this trail as it veered southwest and eventually ended up at the Columbine/Placer sign. From there I turned north again and retraced my steps across the clear cut area to the trailhead.

The sun begins to set

If you live in or visit Wildernest, these trails are a treat any time of year. There are golden Aspens in the fall, fields of Fireweed in the summer, and fluffy snow in winter. I have taken great great sunrise photos from this area and hope one day to capture one of the resident Moose. Don't be afraid to enter the maze. With views of Buffelo Mountain, Peak 1, and I-70 it is difficult to get lost.

Mt. Guyot (13,370 ft) and Bald Mountain (13,684 ft) through the clouds

Bemrose Ski Circus Snowshoe

Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
Elevation: 11, 541 ft - 11,989 ft (highest)
Elevation Gain: 1,173 ft (cumulative)
Dogs: Off Leash (National Forest)

The views looking west from the Bemrose Ski Circus can't be beat

The Bemrose Ski Circus is a series of winter trails on the west side of Hoosier Pass near the Breckenridge ski resort. For the most part, the trails are unmarked and the skier or snowshoer can go where they will. We were in the Ski Circus to try out the Flume Trail, a flat trail that bisects the area. Our plans changed dramatically upon arrival, a fortunate event because the best views in the area are up high and NOT on the Flume Trail.

Trailhead sign

Map of the area courtesy of the US Forest Service

Both guide books we were using indicated that the Flume Trail was the only marked trail in the area and was marked with blue diamonds. Additionally, the National Geo and Forest Service Maps both showed the Flume Trail splitting off from the right border trail a couple of hundred yards from the trailhead.

Starting out directly behind the trailhead sign. Blue diamonds could be seen in the trees.

The reality is the Flume Trail starts right at the trailhead with an immediate left. The right border trail, in contrast, starts directly behind the sign and is marked with blue diamonds. Of course we did not know this until much later.

There were lots of interesting views to the south from the trail

We followed the blue diamonds as anticipated, continually looking for when they might split off to the left and start the Flume. We never saw this and kept climbing higher along the right border of the area. One other party had broken trail for us, so it was not terribly difficult to keep climbing. We knew we were not where we were supposed to be but the views of Mt. Lincoln, North Star Mountain, and Quandary Peak that were filling the sky line behind us, which drove us higher.

Out of the trees now and heading upwards. We knew we had missed our turn off by this point but the route look too interesting to back track.

The tracks we were following cut north near 12K feet and headed for the top of a small rise. Below was a Sprint cell phone repeater. The rise was covered in willows that made for rough going as the snow collapsed around them. The tracks headed back down the mountain via the antennas but we decided to turn back around and retrace our steps to see if we could find the Flume Trail.

Higher up both North Star Mountain and Quandary Peak form a winter tableau.

Once back down we kept looking for any blue diamond that might lead off to the right. Finally, we saw one on a telephone pole out in the middle of a meadow. We could see no others but dove into the knee deep snow to see.

Our tracks coming down the unmarked but highly inviting hillside that finally dumped us on the the Flume Trail

Standing beneath the pole the meadow dipped down sharply in two directions. One followed the transmission right of way and the other headed down into some trees. Deciding to just play, we headed down the slope, sliding, laughing, and enjoying the fresh powder. After a bit we could see a well trod trail heading north. We figured this had to be the Flume. Blue diamonds were quite plentiful for 50 yards or so.

The recessed Flume Trail. The ditch reminded me of a Civil War era sunken road.

After a quick lunch we headed up this trail that immediately dove deep into the trees in a sunken ditch that is the flume. 5 minutes of this monotonous scenery, and we were ready to turn around and go up again. Fortunately, the Flume Trail crossed a drainage and we immediately turned up it, breaking trail as we went.

Our second journey upwards

We kept going right up the gut until we crested a small rise where we could look down onto the Bemrose Creek Drainage. To our right was a ridgeline that looked easily scalable. Our GPS told us we were farther east than our turn around point on the other side. Had we the time we might have gone over the ridge to make a loop. We'll save that for another day.

The open meadow through which we climbed was bordered by a ridge to the south and trees.

Back down to the Flume Trail, we retraced our steps and at the junction where we came into it, we took the obvious turn to the right and followed this out to the trailhead. We did not see any Blue diamonds in this section, so who knows what the real route is supposed to be.

Our final turn around point. A small pass with Mt. Lincoln (14,286 ft) and North Star Mountain (13,614 ft) in the background.

The Belmose Ski Circus turned out to be a nice surprise. The view above the trees is stunning. The routes one can create are varied in both views and difficulty. Unless you are a total novice, do include a route that goes up the hillside, you won't regret what you see.

Our GPS track. We started on the lower part of the map then did the upper.

Altitude Profile