Jones Pass

We will head to the Jones Pass Bowl. The ascent up Jones Pass South begins near at winter trailhead near the Forest Service signs. Skin up the road and note a sign pointing right to Jones Pass and a sign pointing left to Butler Gulch (Butler Gulch West and Butler Gulch East).

Most likely, snowmobiles and/or snowcats will have already been up the skin track, making for easy trail finding. Follow their route into Jones Pass Bowl. The trail eventually starts to climb and then switchbacks begin.

A small shortcut exists to bypass the jeep road and go directly into Jones Pass Bowl. Follow an obvious creek drainage line that comes out of the bowl as it leads you up. Additionally, there is an old trail that enters the woods and then rejoins the jeep road. This will save a bit of time also.

Both Jones Pass Road and the shortcut bring you to the wide expanse of Jones Pass Bowl. Traverse across the bowl to access your run.

Exit 232 off I-70 for Highway 40. Drive 7.2 miles to the first major switchback on Berthoud Pass. Turn left on Henderson Mine Road to Jones Pass. Drive to the Henderson Mine complex, and to your right is a small road leading 800 feet to the winter trailhead. To the left is a large lot that you can park in.

Please bring your radio if you have one. I'll have my radio set to Channel 20 and Interference Eliminator Code 54.

Plan to be there around 7a. We start skinning up at 7:30a.