Winter Recreation Destination: Gothic, Colorado
About a 10 minute drive from town and a 3 minute drive from Mt. Crested Butte, the Gothic/Snodgrass trailhead offers a variety of recreational opportunities to be enjoyed by the whole family (including dogs). Skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort is one of the main draws here in the winter, but if you’re visiting from out of town, prefer other activities, or just want a different view of the mountain, this is the most peaceful place to enjoy it. Hectic in the summer time, Gothic is quiet and peaceful in the winter time.
Upon arrival to the Snodgrass Trailhead, take in the wide valley views with Snodgrass Mountain on the left (great for some mellower backcountry skiing), Crested Butte Mountain Resort behind you, and the East River valley to your right. Straight ahead, Gothic Mountain beckons adventurers with a need for deep backcountry.
Packed Trails
The main road is typically packed down in the winter by nordic skiers, fat bikers, snowshoers, and hikers. Sometimes after a storm you may have to break trail. Backcountry skiers have to work hard to get back here, because the use of snowmobiles are forbidden. This makes it a perfect area to nordic ski , fat bike or even go for a run when it hasn’t snowed in a while. Head up to the Gothic Townsite (or beyond for a real challenge), or just go as far as you want and soak in the views, great snow, and peaceful landscape surrounding you.
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Trail Terrain
Heading north towards the Gothic Townsite will be mostly be a downhill adventure, with a few slight uphills. The winding road will lead to a flat trek for about the last mile into town. As you turn around the real workout begins. With the trail being mostly uphill on the way back, be sure to save some energy and bring plenty of snacks and water. If you decide to go past the Gothic Townsite remember how far your journey is to return to the trailhead and be prepared for intense backcountry travel.
| Highlights: | Deep snow, epic views, quiet |
| Activities: | Fat bike, nordic ski, snowshoe, backcountry ski |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to Hard |
| Length: | 3 miles (one-way) |
| Approx. Time: | Depending on activity |
| Elevation Gain: | 112 feet |
| Town Elevation: | 9,500 feet |
| Trailhead Elevation: | 9,612 feet |
| Travel Time to TH: | 10 minutes from town, 3 minutes from Mt. CB |
| Snow Machine Traffic: | None |
| Groomed: | Fat Bike Grooming |
Weather adds another factor, with snowy conditions making the trip even more challenging. We recommend taking a different trail if it is snowing heavily or with extreme winds. Proper gear will make your experience all the more enjoyable.
Directions
To get there head straight up Gothic road (route 135) until it turns into a dead end. Park your car there and start your trek to the right of the Snodgrass Trailhead. To your left will be Snodgrass Mountain (another great spot for winter recreation) and your trail to the town of Gothic will descend gently into the East River Valley on your right.
