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Sopris Ranger District

Quick Facts

Placita Trail

Beginning Elevation:	7,400 Feet (2306.7 Meters)
Difficulty:	Most Difficult
Elevation Gain:	2,600 Feet (810.5 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	10,000 Feet (3117.2 Meters)
Length:	3.0 Miles (5.0 Kilometers) 4.8 km
Other Maps:	Trails Illustrated 128 Maroon Bells, Redstone, Marble
Pets:	Yes - Leashed
Trail Number:	1966
Usage:	Light
USGS Maps:	Placita, Redstone, and Marble

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Copyright: Zander Higbie-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Overlooking the Crystal River Valley from the lower end of the Placita Trail

he Placita Trail provides access to the Lily Lake trail. The trail goes through large, dense stands of aspen and then pine at the upper end. It is very steep so don't over exert yourself. The majority of the traffic on this trail is horses in the Fall hunting season. Hikers, please be considerate and allow the horses right-of-way. The trail ends at its junction with the Lily Lake trail.

Directions from Carbondale: From Carbondale travel south on Hwy. 133 fro 20 miles until you see the Placita trail sign on the left side of the road near the bridge. Drive 1/4 mile up the road to the trailhead.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Memorial Day Weekend through September (NOTE: This trail is very steep and not recommended during very wet or icy seasons.) .

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Filed By: Jeremy Cerise (Carbondale, CO) Time of Day: Noon Length of Time: About and hour and a half Difficulty: Moderate Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Neutral Report: This is a steep trail. It is also a very rough trail. My girlfriend and I are in pretty good shape, and this was still quite the workout for us. Its uphill the whole way, and much to our dismay, is only an intersection trail for the Lily Lake trail. So, technically, it doesn't really go any where in its own right, just to the Lily Lake trail. There really aren't even any great views from the top, as it seems there should be. I would only recommend this if you want a shortcut to Lily Lake from the Redstone end. Oh, on the plus side, the Forest Service had been up there earlier this spring, and worked on the trail a fair amount, including new signs, so thats a plus. Conditions: There was snow in the trail for the last 1/4 mile or so, very muddy. Water Availability: No water along the way; potable anyways. Took a three litre camelback, turned out to be plenty. Its shaded the whole way. Difficulty: Moderate Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: great trail for a quick workout. The trail leads through a beautiful old aspen grove.