This four-wheel drive route leads two miles west from Slate River Road to the Raggeds Wilderness Area. It leaves Slate River Road at approximately 9,000 feet and immediately descends to the Slate River and Oh-Be-Joyful Campground. From the campground the route crosses the river (there is no bridge). When the river is high four-wheel drive and high clearance are necessary for this crossing. The water in the Slate River is always cold, but crossing in sandals or bare feet is also an option for those who don't possess a four-wheel drive vehicle. After the river crossing the road begins to ascend into the Oh-Be-Joyful Valley, following Oh-Be-Joyful Creek. This is a beautifully scenic, but short ride to the Raggeds Wilderness boundary. The end of the road lies at approximately 9,580 feet.
Directions from Crested Butte: Travel a half mile north on Gothic Road to Slate River Road, Forest Road 734, and drive three and a half miles northwest to Oh-Be-Joyful Road.
Current Conditions & Trip Reports
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Filed By: jacob cozby
(dallas, tx)
Time of Day: morning Length of Time: night trip Difficulty: Moderate Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: This is not a hard trip, i made it an overnight stay at the lake. Despite the other description it is a very fun trail and one of the best in the area. It is also highly used in summer time. Just be in shape and leave it up to the unexperienced to have trip like the other description!!!!
Difficulty: Hard Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Not Recommended Report: We just puttered out. Too tired and drained. Ran out of water and food. Had to carry Jenifer back because of tired feet and fractured butt bone. Never will do again. Very treacherous. Too many mountain lions and Grizzlies. Too much snow and visibility very poor. Never will do again. I repeat never again. Way too Difficult!! - Alan (trail guide) Jenifer says 'NEVER AGAIN...TAKE ME TO THE SKI LIFT!!'
Recreation Opportunities
Activity
Remarks
On Site
Cross-country Skiing
Oh-Be-Joyful Road
Yes
Four-Wheel Driving
Oh-Be-Joyful Road
Yes
Hiking & Walking
Oh-Be-Joyful Road
Yes
Horseback Riding
Oh-Be-Joyful Road
Yes
Backcountry Skiing
Oh-Be-Joyful Valley
Yes
Related Activities
Oh-Be-Joyful Creek - This beautiful small stream is six to eight feet in width, offering Brook trout. Beautiful scenic country. The fishing is rated as fair.
Slate River - This small river supports brook, brown and rainbow trout, but the fishing is rated as poor. Regardless, the surrounding terrain is beautifully rugged with many recreation opportunities.
Slate River Road #734 - This road follows Slate River and then continues to the White River National Forest.
More Information
Visitor Information:
Gunnison National Forest, 216 North Colorado
, Gunnison, CO, 81230, Phone: 970-641-0471
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