Walrod Gulch - Caves Loop is a short moderately popular loop next to Crested Butte South. This expert MTB trail is a great as a ride or just a wildflower hike. Plus it has some super cool caves to check out.
| Highlights: | Wildflowers, Aspen |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| RT Length: | 5 miles |
| Approx. Time: | 2 hours |
| Elevation Gain: | 930 feet |
| Max Elevation: | 9,701 feet |
| Trailhead Elevation: | 8,771 feet |
| Travel Time to TH: | 10 minutes |
Click photos to view multi-season gallery
Directions
Driving:ย Take route 135 south 6.5 miles and make a left onto County Road 740 (Cement Creek Road). Continue another 1.7 miles to a parking area next to the caves trail 409ย [1] ย Mapย For a longer ride you can start from Crested Butte and ride to the trailhead.
Route
From the parking area head up Cement Creek Road (CR 740) .6 miles. Turn left onto singletrack marked only with a user sign, follow the singletrack 1/2 a mile to a fork in the trail. Stay left and climb up Walrod Gulch Road. After .8 miles turn right onto trail 418ย [2] , Walrod Cutoff, follow this as it climbs then switches back above cement creek road. The next 2 miles of the trail are filled with wildflowersย [3] duringย the summer monthsย [4] . The trail tops outย [5] at the intersection of trail 409ย [6] . Continue straight passed the cavesย [7] do a steep switchback filled downhillย [8] ending at Cement Creek Road.
The route described is the local favorite direction to ride the loop, however it can be ridden the other direction if a steeper climb is wanted. If you're just looking to reach the caves check out our guide here.
Trail Map & Profile
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.
This is a popular bike trail so watch out for bikers. When riding, 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.
Enjoying this trail? Help support the people who maintain it.ย Donate to the Crested Butte Conservation Corps.
