Hiking Project Logo

An incredible loop in the wilderness near Crested Butte.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

11.5

Miles

18.5

KM

Loop

11,259' 3,432 m

High

9,145' 2,787 m

Low

2,131' 650 m

Up

2,134' 651 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

43%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Teocalli Ridge is a classic hike in the Brush Creek area outside Crested Butte. It's the perfect option if you want a full value hike, but weather may be too spotty for a longer day in the high peaks. The high point is right below treeline & while it's never good to get stuck in a thunderstorm, you are never too exposed on this route.

Need to Know

There are two creek crossings. One on the way up the doubletrack before you get to Teocalli Mountain Trail, and the other the way out on Brush Creek Road. In early season (late May/June) these may be high due to snowmelt, use caution.

Description

Start by driving out Brush Creek Road (738) East from Colorado Highway 135. Once the road starts climbing, there will be an intersection with West Brush Creek Road (738.2A). Take a right here and look for an informal parking area approx 1/5 of a mile on your right. Park here.

Start hiking back west on the road and take West Brush Creek Road (738.2A). Once on West Brush Creek Road, the climb starts to get steeper. In approximately 1/2 mile, you'll come to another intersection, take a right here at the sign directing you toward the Teocalli Mountain Trail. Soak up the views in the next couple miles along the West Brush Creek drainage.

When the road ends you'll take a right to get on Teocalli Mountain Trail #554. This is where the climb gets tough, but that is offset by stunning Elk Mountain scenery. When you get near the top of the ridge you'll take a right onto Teocalli Ridge #557.

**Big bonus option from here - Bang a left to bag 13,208' Teocalli Mountain as an out and back. If you do this, be sure of the route & plan accordingly with energy & layers.**

After awhile you'll come to a break in the trees with a nice view point and stopping area. Soak in great views of Teocalli Mountain, Castle Peak, Pearl Pass, and the Middle Brush Creek drainage on your left. If you are on the mellow train, this is a good place for lunch.

The trail continues along Teocalli Ridge and then begins a gradual downhill. Expect some roots/rocks as the trail descends through the timber and then into Aspens near the end of the ridge Eventually the trail opens up into a meadow and dumps you back out onto Brush Creek Road/Pearl Pass. Take a right here and follow the road back to the standard parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers go off on summer on the southern flanks of Teocalli Mountain.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Smith

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 5 votes

#4651

Overall
  3.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
20%
Recommended Route Rankings

#593

in Colorado

#4,651

Overall
7 Views Last Month
4,326 Since Jul 16, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
40%
20%
40%
0%

Photos

The first long creek crossing to get to the trailhead.
Sep 14, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Views of Castle Peak unfold on the run up Teocalli Ridge.  (photo by Shana Light)
Jul 16, 2015 near Crested…, CO
Cruising on Brush Creek Road.  (photo by Shana Light)
Jul 16, 2015 near Crested…, CO
Running through overhead wildflowers on the final descent.  (photo by Shana Light)
Jul 16, 2015 near Crested…, CO
Taking in a spectacular view at an overlook atop final descent. Enjoy, but watch for loose rocks / exposure.
Jul 16, 2015 near Crested…, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.