Attractions and Considerations: Park in the plowed areas. This secluded trail leads mostly through trees. These trail descriptions for the Hinman Park Trail System, received from the Hahns Peak Ranger District, are difficult to follow. It is suggested that the skier travel with a good map and compass. Narrative: From the parking area next to Seedhouse Road, follow the road leading southwest across the Elk River. Shortly after crossing, turn off the road to the southeast up a short incline, following the fence railing to the gate. Continue southeast across the open meadow, through a small grove of aspen, onto an old forest road near the wilderness regulations sign. Head easterly on this road until you meet up with a trail junction approximately 1 mile from the parking area. The east fork following the road, takes you to the South Fork Trail. The trail leading to Turnaround Loop heads south up a lightly forested draw, then turns east through a heavily timbered area, traversing the side of a hill. The trail curves to the southwest, coming out onto an old logging road. Approximately 1 mile on the trail is the trail junction for the northern loop of the Morgan Creek Trail to the east, and the northern loop of the Connection Trail to the west. Straight ahead, the trail continues on the road for 1/2 mile, where it forks to the east and west. The east fork is the southern loop of the Morgan Creek Trail. The west fork is the southern loop of the Connection Trail. Follow the trail and road west, where it curves around to the north. Just before the road goes through an open meadow, the trail cuts off to the northeast to a trail junction. The Connection Trail goes off to the northeast, and the Turnaround Loop goes off to the northwest. Take the trail to the northwest through trees, crossing the road that goes to the Wapiti Ranch. The trail continues through trees, curving slightly to the north and onto another old road. The trail loops off to the east and west. Taking the west fork follows a ridge and goes through trees for approximately 1 mile. The trail then curves around to the north, going through some clear cut areas, picking up another logging road curving around to the east. The trail follows this road approximately 1 mile until you come across a closed gate. The trail then cuts south through trees, angling up a ridge, curving up to the southwest, finally coming up to the Turnaround Loop junction. Follow the trail back to the parking area.
Directions from Steamboat Springs: Travel west of town to County Road 129, Elk River Road. Go approximately 18 miles north, just beyond Clark, to Forest Road 400, Seedhouse Road. Head east approximately 5.5 miles to the Hinman parking area.
Seasonal Information:
Normal Winter Season:
Winter through Early Spring
(NOTE: Early and Late season conditions depend on weather.)
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