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Taylor River Ranger District

Quick Facts

Splains Gulch Cross-country Ski Trail

General Description

Caution: This route should not be attempted when avalanche danger is high. Splains Gulch Road is prone to avalanches.

To reach the Splains Gulch Route leave the Kebler East Winter Trailhead and travel three and a quarter miles to Splains Gulch Road, Forest Road 885. Turn left on to Splains Gulch Road and follow it one and a half miles. At this point the graded road bears left crossing Splains Gulch. The ski trail continues to follow the gulch to the right. Don't cross the stream, continue following its western bank. Remain on the western side of the stream for about three quarters of a mile to a crossing. Head westward after this stream crossing.

At this point the skier will be in a relatively flat park area. A steep ridge will lie to your left (south). Ohio Creek Road lies immediately west of this ridge. Follow the ridge northward on a slight ascent. This will bring you to Ohio Creek Road approximately one half mile from the Kebler Pass Road/Ohio Creek Road junction. Travel toward Crested Butte on Kebler Pass (east).

Directions from Crested Butte: Follow Whiterock Avenue westward, it becomes Kebler Pass Road at the town limits. Travel on Kebler Pass to the winter snow closure.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Cross-country Skiing	Splains Gulch Cross-country Ski Trail	Yes
	Backcountry Skiing	Lake Irwin Cross-Country Ski Trail	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Lake Irwin Cross-Country Ski Trail	Yes

Related Activities

Kebler East (winter) Trailhead - Kebler Pass Winter Trailhead lies a few miles west of Crested Butte. It provides access to the Coal Creek drainage, Ruby and Anthracite Mountain Ranges.

Kebler Pass Road - This dirt road leads through the West Elk Mountains and connects Paonia to Crested Butte. It is maintained from Memorial Day through October.

Ohio Creek (winter) Trailhead - Ohio Creek Road is not fully maintained during the winter months. A trailhead is created 14 miles north of the Highway 135 junction where winter plowing ends.

Ohio Creek Road - Ohio Creek Road leads 23.5 miles north from Gunnison to Kebler Pass. Its a great place to see the Colorado wildflowers in bloom during the summer and the golden hue of aspen trees in autumn.