Most visitors miss out on experiencing some fantastic scenery hidden in the Cement Creek Valley near Crested Butte South (or CB South in local speak). Who can blame them? With so many amazing trails surrounding the town of Crested Butte, it's hard to imagine yet another place worth exploring. However, the Caves trail and its connecting network of aspen lined hikes are certainly popular enough with locals to warrant a closer look.
| Highlights: | Valley Views, Aspens, Caves! |
| Difficulty: | Steep & Strenuous |
| RT Length: | 1.66 miles |
| Approx. Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Elevation Gain: | 883 feet |
| Max Elevation: | 9,639 feet |
| Trailhead Elevation: | 8,802 feet |
| Travel Time to TH: | 15 minutes |
Click photos to view multi-season gallery
Directions
From the Town of Crested Butte: Take 135 south 6.6 miles to the town of Crested Butte South. Turn left onto Cement Creek Road (Co Rd 740) and follow it as it turns into dirt for 1.8 miles. The parking lot is on the right side of the road and the trailhead is directly across from it on the left side. Map
Route
This trail is short and steep with numerous switchbacks that climb the hillside. Follow the well defined path up [2] and catch views of the caves off to the right side [3]. There is a distinct tunnel in the rock, which you can peer from this angle. A mix of sagebrush, aspen, and conifer trees greet along your climb.
The trail starts to level out as you make your way toward the caves. As you approach the rock formation, there is a faint path offering the chance to get a closer look at the tunnel (at your own risk) [5]. The remaining hundred feet of the main trail will reveal spectacular views of Red Mountain, directly across from CB South [9] and Cement Mountain (on the left). Look directly ahead when on top of the caves and see where the first chair lift in Colorado was built on the Pioneer Ski Area back in 1939 [8]. There aren't any trails which access the other side of the main cave, but it can be approached with a little bit of bushwhacking on steep, loose ground.
![[9]](https://travelcrestedbutte.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0608.jpg){kind=link}
![[8]](https://travelcrestedbutte.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0609.jpg){kind=link}
This is a pet friendly trail, abide by the leash law at all times. Yield trail right of way to all others when hiking with your dog. Tread lightly on the trail to avoid damaging the ecosystem and remember to pack out all doggy doo.
Trail Map & Profile
Enjoying this trail? Help support the people who maintain it. Donate to the Crested Butte Conservation Corps.
Featured Lodging
Three Rivers Resort is located in the historic mountain town of Almont, Colorado on the Taylor River about 20 miles south of Crested Butte. The resort features cabins dating back to the 1800’s, which are a short walk from the merging of the Taylor and East Rivers to form the Gunnison River. Offering a hotel, solo cabins with personal hot tubs, RV spots and more.