There are many great trails within a couple miles of town, but this just might be the best one. From June through August the hillsides are on full display with wildflowers, especially lupine (of course). Take in wide views of mountains, the Slate River valley, the town of Crested Butte, and in the fall, aspen colors.Â
Sustainable Trail Use
This trail and many others like it are maintained by the Crested Butte Conservation Corps. From picking up trash to trail maintenance to poop removal, they do it all and keep our backcountry pristine. Please help support them with a tax-deductible donation (501c3).
Keep in mind this is a very popular mountain bike trail, especially on weekends. The trail can be hiked one way, with a shuttle from either end, but there is no parking allowed in the Saddle Ridge subdivision or on Gothic road (on the east end). Mountain biking is usually started from the Saddle Ridge trailhead on the east end to enjoy the ride down.
This route description is the uphill route out and back, from Nicholson Lake. The Lupine Trail runs on an easement through private property so please stay on the trail at all times.Â
| Highlights: | Wildflowers, Mountain views, Aspen |
| Hike Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Bike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| RT Length: | 7 miles |
| Bike Length: | 10.7 loop from town |
| Approx. Time: | 2.5 hours RT, 1.5 hours one way |
| Elevation Gain: | 888 feet RT, 635 feet one way |
| Max Elevation: | 9,312 feet |
| Trailhead Elevation: | 8,943 feet |
| Travel Time to TH: | 10 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 2.6 miles up the valley. Just past Nicholson Lake (and the marmot crossing sign) is the trailhead on your right side.  Map
Route
The western trailhead starts with a few switchbacks to ease the uphill gradient. Ascend quickly and enjoy the valley views in both directions. The trail follows the valley east on single track the rest of the way as the flowers thicken. Meander through three thick sections of aspens as you make your way around the bend. Here views of Mt. Crested Butte open up along with the town below. The hills are thick with lupine, dwarf larkspur, and mule ears depending on your timing. Turn around at the gate or hitch a ride. Most of the trail runs on an easement through private property, so please stay on the trail at all times. For an extra rewarding hike/bike, opt for just after dawn or before dusk. The east/west configuration of the valley allows the sun to pour through, creating interesting shadows and lighting.
There are no restrooms on this trail, so use the restroom before you go. There is a Porta-Potty located on the Slate River Road just north of the trailhead about 1/4 mile.
Please don’t pick, cut, or walk on wildflowers or other plants. Removing wildflowers from the wild can adversely affect pollinators and other animals that depend on that species for food and cover and affect the flowers long-term survival in that location.
This is a popular bike trail, watch out for bikers. Yield to horses, hikers, and uphill riders. Don't ride trails when muddy and bike to the trailhead if possible. Be considerate to other users, the land, and local landowners.
Click photos to view multi-season gallery
Trail Map & Profile
Need a Place to Stay?
At San Moritz, you’ll enjoy access to amenities that make your vacation hassle-free. Ski out to the West Wall Lift, and spend the day on your favorite downhill runs. Ski back in, and enjoy a soak in our indoor hot tub. Then call up our shuttle, and take a 3-mile ride down the mountain to the Creative, Historic District downtown: host to your favorite restaurants and shops.
