The North Fork Cutoff Trail connects the Geneva Lake Trail to the North Fork Fravert Basin Trail. It has a nice view of the north fork of the Crystal River Valley and Lead King Basin. It is a short cut for travelers going to Snowmass Lake, but it is very steep. The trail is heavily used by horses and backpackers. Please give horses the right-of-way to prevent erosion near the trails.
Directions from Carbondale: From Carbondale travel south on Hwy. 133 for 25 miles to the Marble turnoff. Turn left onto County Road 3 to the town of Marble, and past Beaver Lake. One half mile past Beaver Lake the road becomes 4WD and heads uphill and across shale rock. After another 1/2 mile, take the right fork, or Road #314. This road heads immediately downhill. It is about 5 1/2 miles to Crystal. Pass through Crystal, uphill approximately 1/2 mile and take the sharp left turn towards Lead King Basin. This is a fairly difficult 4WD road with some steep drop offs. Park at the Geneva Lake trailhead in Lead King Basin. Hike 1/4 mile, taking the right fork towards the North Fork trail. Hike for approximately 2 miles. Take the left fork at the sign to get on the North Fork Cutoff.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
(NOTE: Due to snow at high elevations this trail is inaccessible through most of the Spring, Fall, and Winter months.)
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