Gunsight Pass Road, Forest Road 585, branches from Slate River Road approximately four miles west of Highway 135. It is the second fork in the Slate River Road and well marked. The turnoff leads steeply down to the Slate River, where you'll see a dilapidated wooden bridge. Don't cross the bridge, it will not support a vehicle. Instead cross the river to the left of the bridge, where the water is relatively shallow. (It's a good idea to check the water level before crossing as it changes from year to year and season to season.)
Look for the dirt road on the southern shore of the river and follow it as it turns to the right. Shortly after the road bears to the right you'll come upon a gait. Please close it behind you. The road passes by some mining ruins then begins to quickly switchback up the mountain. There are two sets of switchbacks before the road reaches the Daisy Mine. From the river crossing to the Daisy Mine ruins is five miles. There are good places to turn around shortly after passing the Daisy Mine, which will be on the left side of the road. The road above the Daisy Mine is not recommended for four-wheel drive use. Other drivers may be encountered on this route.
Directions from Crested Butte: Travel one mile north on Highway 135 to Slate River Road. Turn left on to Slate River Road and drive four miles to Gunsight Pass Road.
Current Conditions & Trip Reports
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Filed By: Jerry Smith
(Grand Jct, CO)
Time of Day: Morining Length of Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Easy Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: Most of this trail is moderate Jeeping.
Slate Creek crossing can be deceptively
deep. For complete story go to:
http://www.happytrails4wd.com/page/gunsigh
t-pass Conditions: Damp conditions, some rocks to evade.
Filed By: Steve Reno
(Batavia, IA)
Time of Day: 5 pm Length of Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: The trail is easy until you go past the mine then becomes very difficalt. Standing on top of the mt. at the pass is great .you look down on Crested Butte.
Difficulty: Moderate Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: Went in June 1999. Snow prevented completion of trail. Several branch trails. Spectacular scenery.
Recreation Opportunities
Activity
Remarks
On Site
Backpacking
Daisy Pass Trail
Yes
Dispersed Camping
Base of Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
Cold Water Fishing
Slate River
Yes
Four-Wheel Driving
Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
Hiking & Walking
Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
Horseback Riding
Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
Berry Picking
Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
Mountain Biking
Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
ATV Riding
Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
Motorcycle Riding
Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
Backcountry Skiing
Redwell Basin, Wolverine Basin
No
Viewing Scenery
Gunsight Pass Road
Yes
Related Activities
Daisy Pass Trail - Daisy Pass trail heads southwest from Baxter Basin to Redwell Basin. The entire trail traverses through high, rugged terrain.
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.
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