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Great point to point trip through the West Elk Wilderness


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Map Key

14.6

Miles

23.6

KM

Point to Point

9,366' 2,855 m

High

6,795' 2,071 m

Low

1,581' 482 m

Up

3,661' 1,116 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildlife

Wilderness, closed to mountain bikes. Popular hunting area so be sure to wear bright colors in the Fall.

Overview

This very unique, remote route is a good choice for a wilderness trail run or part of a multi-day backpacking trip. Starting in subalpine forests and meadows, then finishing in a tight, rugged canyon. There is some climbing, but this route loses a lot of elevation if you choose to go from south to north.

Description

This trail starts at the Horse Ranch Park trailhead on the north side of Kebler Pass. From here start along the Dark Canyon Trail #830. After about 8 miles, there will be a junction to the Ruby Anthracite Trail. Stay right on the Dark Canyon Trail and head down the Devils Staircase, which is a long series of switchbacks down to Middle Anthracite Creek. At about 10 miles total there will be another split to the right which would take you to Marble via the West Anthracite Trail stay LEFT here and continue through the spectacular Dark Canyon.

This trail is well signed, but a GPS or the Hiking Project mobile app would be good to have in case you end up off trail in some overgrown segments.

This trail is best taken as a point to point with a car at the Erickson Springs trailhead. While Kebler Pass does get a fair amount of traffic, hitchhiking can be difficult.

Shared By:

Scott Krankkala

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 12 votes

#2276

Overall
  4.3 from 12 votes
5 Star
58%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#359

in Colorado

#2,276

Overall
6 Views Last Month
9,263 Since Sep 14, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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43%
29%
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Photos

First viewpoint on the trail looking north.
Sep 27, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Heading east on trail.
Sep 27, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Marcellina
Sep 14, 2015 near Crested…, CO
Don't miss this panoramic viewpoint right off the trail. It is an epic place to view the changing aspens in the fall.
Oct 5, 2015 near Crested…, CO
Aspens at the Beginning of the Horse Ranch Park Loop.
Sep 27, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Fall colors.
Oct 3, 2017 near Crested…, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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