KEYSTONE GULCH ROAD to THE COLORADO TRAIL via WEST RIDGE TRAIL: KEYSTONE, CO.

KEYSTONE GULCH ROAD to COLORADO TRAIL via WEST RIDGE TRAIL
I’m just throwing this out there in case Keystone still has snow for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. I wouldn’t know but while Keystone doesn't have permanent, naturally occurring snowfields, their combination of natural snowfall and snowmaking provides a reliable and consistent snow experience during the winter season and even allows for some snow activities during the summer.

This is not a hiking trail but a snowshoe/cross skiing route. Yet, it would be a nice stroll to go on before the Long Run Concert (The Music of the Eagles) at the Dillon Amphitheater. So, let’s walk next to one another instead of behind or in front of one another and have a Take It Easy, Peaceful Easy Feeling kind of hike.

The Keystone Gulch Road is an easy to moderate 6.4 mile stroll to and from the Colorado Trail via the West Ridge Trail with a starting elevation of 9,265 ft and highest elevation of 10, 230 with an elevation gain of 1,000 ft. No avalanche danger.

Though Keystone Gulch Road is located in Keystone many of you may follow the directions below and drive through the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel into Dillon and go from there but I suggest you take the scenic route and head over Loveland Pass. What a trip!!! If you have never been to the summit of Loveland Pass you’re going to be very happy that you did…believe me! Maybe later this year we’ll hike from the summit of Loveland pass to the summit of Mount Sniktau.

DIRECTIONS: From interstate 70 at Silverthorne, take exit 205 then drive southeast on U.S. 6 for 5.5 miles. Turn right at the first stoplight into the Keystone Resort and stay left then turn right onto Soda Ridge Road. Follow Soda Ridge Road for 0.4 mile and then turn left onto the unpaved Keystone Gulch Road. Drive up the road for 0.1 mile and park on the left just before the open gate and the Forest Service kiosk. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH THE OPEN GATE.

You can only access this trailhead when the snow is gone for the season since the ski resort manages a gate at the start of the road. The road ascends gradually as the road snakes up the valley through the forest. The trail ends at an intersection with the Colorado Trail. If we go just a couple hundred feet to the north on the CT, we’ll come to a bald spot on the trail that offers awesome views of the surrounding area.

~Members from both https://www.meetup.com/hittinthetrails/?eventOrigin=your_groups AND https://www.meetup.com/colorado-trail/?eventOrigin=your_groups will be attending.~
~Disclaimer: By signing up for and participating in this event you are acknowledging that you are aware of risks, dangers, and hazards and fully assume responsibility for your own safety, and further agree to release and discharge the organizers of this event from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest’s participation in the group activities.~

I will be putting together a camping trip for this hike in Keystone and for the Long Run Concert in Dillon. Here’s the link to my Camping and Getaways Group. If you’re already a member of High Country Camping and Getaways you’re doing okay!!! https://www.meetup.com/colorado-campers/?eventOrigin=your_groups

Hopefully I’ll see you before September 1st 2025
Don