Information & Conditions: Snodgrass

Updated 5/24/10

Status: Good to Go!

Current Conditions: YES, Snodgrass is OPEN. On Sunday, May 23rd @ 1:00p.m. the Allen Family Opened the section of trail on Snodgrass Mtn that is on their property. On Saturday the 22nd a couple volunteers worked drainage, cleared fallen branches and hand cut 6 large aspen tree's(with the help of a trail poacher) that had fallen across the trail. There is snow in the ususal spots for a May opening, which will require hiking through it a few feet (wearing socks is recommended) and a little moisture in a couple areas on the trail from higher snow still melting. But over all the trail is dry and ready for recreation of all sorts. BTW, this section on the Allen parcel opened on May 21st last year and closed on August 23rd. The opening and closing are fairly consistent year after year, so bare this in mind in the 3rd week of August when it again closes.

For those who realize how special it is to be able to access this private property and are so inclined to take a few minutes and "thank" the Allens, their address is:
Allens
1897 County Rd. 8
Gunnison, Colorado 81230

Cyclists, please yield to the horseback riders on the Mt. CB side of this trail. Dismount and ask the wrangler how to proceed. Do not SPOOK the horses by riding by too fast or too close. Yelling "giddy up" should be avoided at all cost's for obvious reasons.

Thanks to the Allen Family for use of this trail on their property!

Detailed Description:

Snodgrass trail is a prime example of the great relationship that the bike community and the ranching community have in this area.This is a trail that is almost completely on private land and is rideable only when the owners say it is rideable (it’s seasonal grazing land for the owners).

From the four way stop at the corner of Elk Avenue and Gothic Road (6th Street), head toward the ski area. Go right on Teocalli Avenue and follow this to where the gravel bike path begins. Cross the bridge on the left, and follow the "Rec Path" 2.7 miles to where it crosses Gothic Road. Cross carefully and continue up the path or ride up the busy road. Ride through the town of Mt. Crested Butte and the rest of Condoland. The road turns to dirt at the end of town, 1/2 mile before the trailhead.

At mile 5, there is a parking area and sign for the Snodgrass Trail on the left. Cross the fence (But only if the sign says the trail is OPEN) and climb stiffly up the rough double track to another fence crossing at the top. There’s an optional singletrack about halfway up that cuts off a switchback and makes this climb a little more direct, but you can also stay on the doubletrack to get to the fence.

After this fence crossing, the singlettrack begins. Follow the singletrack up and around the south side of Snodgrass Mountain. Stay left at the signed intersection. The trail is very well worn and easy to follow.

About one mile into the trail you will begin heading down steeply. Be careful here as there is a gate that is sometimes closed! There are signs, compliments of CBMBA, at intersections.

Continue through the forest below, gentle up-and-down riding. Mind the roots when its wet! Cross another fence, and follow the fenceline down through a big meadow. Cross the bridge over a small creek, turn right, and you’re soon at Washington Gulch Road.

At this point, you can ride down Washington Gulch Road, which connects with Gothic Road between Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Or better yet, take a drink of water and ride back the way you came. Snodgrass is a great ride in both directions!