The best running trails in Gunnison County

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Lower Loop Trail, a difficult route spanning 7.3 miles (11.7 km) with an elevation gain of 436 feet (133 metres). You can expect varied terrain, including both singletrack paths and dirt roads, as you follow the river. Enjoy sweeping views of the mountain forest and the scenic Slate River Valley, with the chance to spot wildflowers on the hillsides, especially near sections like the Woods Walk Trail. This route typically takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete.

Accessing the Lower Loop Trail is straightforward from Crested Butte town. You have several convenient options for starting points; you can begin your jog by following Butte Avenue or heading towards Peanut Mine. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the area's natural beauty. Remember to plan your visit according to your preferred starting location.

This trail is nestled within the expansive Gunnison National Forest, offering a true wilderness feel close to town. Its popularity stems from its combination of challenging terrain and stunning natural vistas, making it a standout option for trail runners in the region. The route's proximity to the Slate River adds a dynamic element to the scenery, providing a refreshing backdrop to your workout.

Prepare for a challenging jogging route on the Upper Westside to Crested Butte trail, covering 10.7 miles (17.3 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2537 feet (773 metres). This difficult route takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, offering varied terrain from river walks along the Slate River to open meadows. You will experience panoramic views of the Elk Mountains, with peaks like Mineral Point and Gothic Mountain visible in the distance, and pass by Peanut Lake.

This popular route is easily accessible from downtown Crested Butte, making it a convenient choice for runners. If you plan to bring your dog, remember that they must be kept on a leash while on the trail to respect wildlife and other users. Expect to share the path with other outdoor enthusiasts, especially during peak times, as this area is well-loved.

The trail is notable for its diverse natural beauty, showcasing abundant wildflowers in spring and summer, and vibrant aspen colors during the fall. Reaching the Mount Crested Butte Summit is a key highlight, providing expansive vistas that make the demanding climbs worthwhile. This route offers a true taste of the Gunnison National Forest's rugged charm.

Embark on the Green Lake Trail for a demanding jogging experience through Gunnison National Forest. This difficult route spans 8.6 miles (13.8 km) and challenges you with a significant elevation gain of 1668 feet (508 metres). As you push through the varied terrain, you will be rewarded with a stunning viewpoint of Mount Crested Butte from Big Mine Park, before reaching the serene Green Lake itself. Plan for approximately 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete this rigorous journey.

Before you head out, remember that this trail is designed for experienced joggers seeking a demanding workout. Parking is generally available at the trailhead, but it is always wise to check local conditions before your visit. Be prepared for the substantial elevation gain and ensure you have adequate supplies for a difficult route.

The Green Lake Trail offers a rewarding experience within the beautiful landscape of Gunnison National Forest, close to Crested Butte. It stands out as a challenging option for those who appreciate significant climbs and natural beauty. The journey to Green Lake provides a distinct sense of accomplishment, making it a notable route in the area.

Embark on the Teocalli Ridge Loop for a challenging jogging experience through Gunnison National Forest. This difficult 11.2-mile (18.1 km) route features a demanding ascent, gaining 2192 feet (668 metres) in elevation, which you can expect to complete in about 2 hours and 33 minutes. As you jog, you will traverse diverse terrain, from well-packed dirt roads to rocky singletrack and overgrown doubletrack. The trail winds through open meadows, vibrant aspen groves, and forested sections, offering spectacular vistas of Teocalli Mountain, Castle Peak, and Pearl Pass, with the views from Teocalli Ridge being a major highlight.

To begin your jogging adventure, you can find convenient parking directly on Brush Creek Road. Be prepared for potentially high creek crossings if you plan your visit during the early season, typically from late May through June, as snowmelt can swell the water levels. It is also important to remain alert on the trail, as you will be sharing the path with both mountain bikers and dirt bike riders. Always be courteous and aware of others enjoying the route.

This route offers a full-value outing for experienced trail runners seeking a robust challenge in a stunning natural setting. The mix of open terrain and dense forest provides a dynamic backdrop for your jog. You will appreciate the varied landscape and the rewarding views that unfold as you gain elevation. Consider this loop if you are looking for a demanding yet scenic trail running experience.

Lace up your jogging shoes for the East River Trail, a moderate 4.4 miles (7.0 km) route that follows the scenic East River. You'll experience a gentle ascent, gaining 247 feet (75 metres) over approximately 44 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing outing. As you jog, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the East River Valley, with the distinctive pyramidal Teocalli Ridge often in sight. The trail offers a pleasant, unchallenging experience, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Keep an eye out for vibrant wildflowers in spring and summer, or the golden aspens that light up the valley in autumn.

Accessing the East River Trail is straightforward, with parking usually available right at the trailhead, making it convenient to begin your jog. This route is generally considered accessible and welcomes both families and pets, so feel free to bring your companions along. While the trail is enjoyable for most of the year, be aware that you might encounter muddy stream crossings, particularly after periods of rain or during snowmelt. Planning your visit during drier spells can ensure a more comfortable jogging experience.

This trail is nestled within the Gunnison National Forest, offering a true immersion into the high country's natural splendor. The route's proximity to the East River means you'll consistently enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water and the lush riparian environment it supports. It's a fantastic option if you're seeking a relatively quick and accessible outdoor activity that still delivers on stunning natural vistas without demanding extreme physical exertion.

Rustlers Gulch Trail offers a challenging jogging experience through the vibrant Colorado Rockies. As you tackle this difficult 10.5 miles (16.9 km) route, you'll gain 1906 feet (581 metres) in elevation, typically taking around 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete. The trail immerses you in diverse scenery, from dark spruce-fir forests to open meadows. Keep an eye out for meadows bursting with blue lupines and Indian paintbrush, especially during wildflower season. The route provides expansive views of majestic cirques and rugged peaks, including Precarious Peak, before you reach the stunning Upper basin of Rustler's Gulch. This makes for a rewarding journey for any dedicated jogger.

Before you head out to Rustlers Gulch, be aware of the trailhead access. The initial road leading to the starting point can be steep and quite rocky. For this reason, a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle might be necessary to reach the official trailhead directly. If you don't have such a vehicle, you might need to park further down and add an extra mile of walking to your overall journey. Plan your approach accordingly to ensure a smooth start to your adventure.

This route is nestled within the vast Gunnison National Forest, a region renowned for its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. The trail's journey through spruce-fir forests and open meadows highlights the rich biodiversity of the Colorado Rockies. The presence of wildflowers like blue lupines and Indian paintbrush during their season adds a spectacular burst of color to the landscape. The views of majestic cirques and peaks like Precarious Peak underscore the dramatic geological formations characteristic of this area, offering a true taste of high-alpine wilderness.

The West Maroon Trail offers a challenging jogging experience through the high-alpine wilderness, covering 20.3 miles (32.6 km) with a significant 5029 feet (1533 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult route typically takes around 4 hours and 59 minutes to complete, leading you past stunning alpine lakes like Maroon Lake and Crater Lake. You will ascend to the 12,465-foot West Maroon Pass, where you can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding peaks. Expect a truly iconic Colorado high-alpine journey.

Planning your visit requires careful preparation due to the trail's demanding nature and high altitude. Be ready for rapidly changing mountain weather, including afternoon thunderstorms, and always carry plenty of water. The route is known for tricky creek crossings, which can become more challenging during snowmelt or after heavy rain. Consider the best time to start your jogging adventure to avoid peak heat or weather shifts.

This trail is particularly notable for its vibrant displays of wildflowers, especially from mid-July to early August, transforming the landscape into a colorful spectacle. In the fall, the golden aspen groves add another layer of beauty to the already dramatic scenery. The West Maroon Trail provides a classic wilderness experience within the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, making it a standout route for experienced trail runners seeking a memorable challenge.

Embark on the Trail 401 Loop for a challenging jogging experience through the Gunnison National Forest. This difficult route covers 8.8 miles (14.1 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 1640 feet (500 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete. As you jog, you will pass through vibrant wildflower meadows in summer or golden aspen groves in autumn, with expansive views of the Elk Mountains. The trail also leads you past serene alpine lakes, such as Emerald Lake, offering picturesque spots along the way.

Before you set out, be aware that the Trail 401 Loop begins with a substantial ascent up Schofield Pass Road. This section is a steep gravel road, so prepare for an immediate climb. The route reaches high altitudes, around 11,350 feet, which can make the jogging more strenuous if you are not accustomed to thinner air. Plan your visit carefully and ensure you are well-prepared for these demanding conditions.

This loop is particularly known for its diverse natural beauty, transitioning from dense forest to open alpine vistas. The varied terrain and elevation changes make it a true test of endurance, appealing to experienced joggers seeking a rewarding workout. It is a standout route in the region for its combination of physical challenge and stunning mountain scenery.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Scarp Ridge Loop Trail, a difficult route that covers 3.9 miles (6.3 km). You will ascend a significant 1327 feet (404 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 1 hour and 44 minutes. This trail quickly becomes steep, rewarding your effort with spectacular 360-degree views from the ridgeline, where you can spot landmarks like Lake Irwin and the Anthracite Range. During summer, you will jog through hillsides often covered in vibrant wildflowers, adding to the continuous dramatic scenery.

When planning your visit, remember that this route involves high altitude and substantial elevation gain. It is wise to start your jog early in the day to avoid the common afternoon thunderstorms. The trail features primitive singletrack sections along the ridge, which are both steep and rocky, so be sure to wear supportive trail shoes. While no specific permits or fees are noted, prepare for a rigorous outing that demands good physical condition.

This loop offers a truly rewarding experience for those seeking a strenuous workout amidst stunning natural beauty. The continuous climbs and varied terrain make it a notable option in the Gunnison National Forest. You will find yourself immersed in an environment where every turn reveals a new vista, making the effort worthwhile. The views extend to distant peaks like Mt. Owen and Ruby Peak on clear days, highlighting the expansive wilderness of the area.