Crested Butte Trails: Red Lady (Mt. Emmons)

From the Town of Crested Butte: Take Whiterock Ave west out of town as it turns into Kebler Pass Road. Drive 4.2 miles up the road (it will turn to dirt a few miles in) until you reach a small, unmarked parking area on the left side. There are 2 unmarked trails a few yards up the road from there on the right-hand side. Take the trail that is further up the road [1]. Map

Some of the steepest terrain is right at the start for a few hundred meters. The trail mellows out relatively quickly, and keeps a moderate pitch the rest of the way to Copley Lake. Most of the trail goes in and out of spruce forest [2] with wildflowers along the hillsides. The trail climbs over 1,000 feet until you reach a junction in just under 2 miles [4]. A left takes you to Copley Lake[5] in under a quarter mile, a worthwhile detour either on the way up or down. Take a right at the cairn to continue toward the Red Lady summit.

Follow the double tracked old road [6]east and eventually start climbing a steep hill. There's an old trailer under a shed roof on your left toward the end of this trail. You'll then intersect a major dirt road and continue uphill and to the left (don't forget about this turn-off on your way back). You'll see the entrance to an active mine just up ahead [7]. Stay on the main road as it turns right, then switch backs left, passing the mine's active area [8]. Soon there is another junction. This time, the main road goes right, while you want to take the smaller road that goes up the hill, next to the gully with a lot of talus and mining debris. You'll start a series of long switchbacks and continue up the road into Elk Basin.[9]

The road turns to single track and the views expand to showcase East Beckwith Mountain [11] and the Kebler Pass area. At just under 4 miles in you'll come around a bend to reveal Gunsight Pass [12] and the remaining main climb. This part of the trail has some exposure and loose rock, so watch your step! From here, you can take in scenic views of Mt. Axtell [13].

Gunsight Pass is a reward in itself as you can finally see Gunsight Pass Road winding down into Redwell Basin along with much of the Elk Mountain Range. Walk around the locked gate [14 looking back] to continue the finally ascent of the summit. It's just another 15-20 minute hike from here on a well-defined trail. The summit is marked with Tibetan prayer flags[15].

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