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The Oh-Be-Joyful trail ascends up a picturesque glacial valley on the east side of the Ruby Range.


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Map Key

13.3

Miles

21.4

KM

Out and Back

11,064' 3,372 m

High

8,964' 2,732 m

Low

2,100' 640 m

Up

2,100' 640 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

A long trail up a world class valley. No matter where you turn around, this hike is worth it. The upper portion of the valley is well watered with lush greenery and an excellent wildflower display. With the Ruby Range as a backdrop, this trail is a must-do.

Description

From Crested Butte, travel north on Gothic Road and take a left on Slate River Road just outside of Crested Butte. Drive 4.5 miles on the well-maintained dirt road and look for the Oh-Be-Joyful Campground turn-off on your left. Drive 0.5 miles to the campground at the bottom of the hill. If your vehicle has enough clearance and the waters are not too high, you may want to park on the other side of the river. Just be aware that if it rains, the water levels can change rapidly.

This trail follows an old mining road up above the side of Oh Be Joyful Creek, climbing fairly steeply for a brief time. Once you hit the vantage point above the Oh Be Joyful Falls, the trail mostly flattens out and becomes narrower. You'll cross the wilderness boundary (don't forget to sign in at the register). You can continue up the valley following the trail as far as the base of Daisy Pass before turning around to return to the Oh Be Joyful Campground.

Alternatively, this trail continues up and around Oh-Be-Joyful Peak and Hancock Peak, over the pass and down to its intersection with the Silver Basin Trail.

For those looking for more adventure, there are numerous ways to extend your mileage and elevation gain. Summiting Daisy Pass and descending into Pittsburg is popular with locals, but does require two vehicles or the willingness to hitch hike. Make sure to have a good topographic map or the Hiking Project mobile app before attempting one of the loops from the Oh Be Joyful Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Elk, deer, coyote, many birds.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dylan Pradas

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 9 votes

#734

Overall
  4.8 from 9 votes
5 Star
78%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#151

in Colorado

#734

Overall
16 Views Last Month
26,682 Since May 15, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
11%
67%
22%
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Photos

Afley Peak is the light at the end of the tunnel as you near the final ascent to Blue Lake.
Sep 6, 2016 near Crested…, CO
Oh-Be-Joyful Creek meandering through the obnoxiously long valley.
Sep 6, 2016 near Crested…, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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