This popular summer hike transforms into a snowy gem without the crowds come wintertime. Brush Creek gives you a choice of two options: the summer trail for quieter and more backcountry terrain, and the snowmobile compacted road for flatter and faster conditions. Both ways provide great views of Teocalli Mountain and wide panoramas of the valley. Â
| Highlights: | Expansive Views, Trail Access |
| Activities: | Fat Bike, XC Ski, Snowshoe |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Length: | As Desired (out and back) |
| Elevation Gain: | 100 Feet |
| Trailhead Elevation: | 9,000 Feet |
| Travel Time to TH: | <15 Minutes from Town of Crested Butte |
| Snow Machine Traffic: | Yes, but Infrequent |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
| Groomed: | No, User Compacted |
Click photos to view multi-season gallery
Directions
From the Town of Crested Butte: Drive 2 miles south on CO 135 and make a left onto County Road 738 (Brush Creek Road). Continue on another 1.9 miles as pavement turns to dirt and look for the parking lot of the trailhead on your left side.
Routes
From the parking lot choose either the main trail (same as summer's) where the signage is located, or head further down Brush Creek Road to the barn. Make sure to park at the summer Brush Creek Trailhead parking lot for either choice (not on the road).
Brush Creek/East River Trail
This user compacted trail forms a narrow path by snowshoers and cross-country skiers trekking through the hillsides of Crested Butte mountain. Conditions can vary from completely snow-covered, soft, and deep, to hard pack and solid depending on the winter weather. If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is your trail. You can take it all the way to the East River, which is about 1.5 miles each way or just turn around at any point. The slopes vary and some elevation is gradually lost and gained, but don't expect anything too steep.
Brush Creek Road
This is also an un-groomed trail so make after a storm you might be breaking trail. The snowmobile track starts at the end of the road, just past the barn where the plowing ends. Brush Creek Road is on much flatter terrain and optimally suited for fat biking (when compacted) and classic style cross-country skiing. Follow the road as far as you wish as this is also an out and back trail.
The trail is pet friendly. Yield trail right of way to all others when with your dog. Most importantly, remember to pack out all doggy doo.
Trail Map
