Cascade Mountain Trail Crested Butte Colorado

Crested Butte Hikes: Cascade Mountain

In Hiking guide, Trail by

This is a great hike off the beaten path. Enjoy views of waterfalls, wildflowers, and high alpine lakes. Cascade is a unique summit with great views of Crested Butte and Mineral Point. Although the trailhead is close to town, you won't run into many people.

Highlights:Mountain Views, Wildflowes, Alpine Lake
Difficulty:Hard
RT Length:8 miles
Approx. Time:6 - 8 hours
Elevation Gain:2,567 feet
Max Elevation:11,715 feet
Trailhead Elevation:9,148 feet
Travel Time to TH:15 minutes

Click photos to view multi-season gallery

Directions

From the Town of Crested Butte: Take Gothic Road (135) north 0.8 miles to Slate River Road (734). Turn left and drive 7.2 miles up the valley to Poverty Gulch Road and a wide open gravel area next to the slate river, we suggest you park here.

From this point a high clearance 4x4 vehicle is required if you want to continue driving. Turn left and cross the Slate River, but check the depth. Pass waterfalls just after the crossing. Drive 2 miles up a rocky and often deep puddle filled road [2]. There is a parking area just before where the road crosses the creek. Do not drive across the creek (boulders block the road).  Map

Route

Starting from the Slate River, cross it and follow the road up [2] passing waterfalls on your left. After 2 miles arrive at the crossing for Poverty Creek. Cross Poverty Creek over one of the many paths of logs or boulders [3]. Ascend the unmaintained mining road into Baxter Basin as the views begin to open up. Continue up the road[4], which can be lined with a variety of wildflowers later in the season[5]. 

Stay on the road as you pass the turnoff for Daisy Pass, follow the road as it climbs up through old mining areas[6] turning to singletrack [7] just before a saddle with views of Augusta and Mineral point [8]. From the saddle head right up the ridge 175 feet to the summit of Cascade.


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Trail Map & Profile

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For longer hikes its a good idea to carry a few extra things in your pack. Make sure to bring extra food and water, rain gear, a map or GPS, sun protection, and a flashlight in case your hike goes late. More information on what to pack can be found here.

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Weather in the mountains can change very fast. During the summer months it is common to have thunderstorms developing during the afternoon in the high country. Check the weather forecast before you go. Keep your eyes on the clouds and know when to turn back.
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Enjoying this trail? Help support the people who maintain it. Donate to the Crested Butte Conservation Corps.