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Sopris Ranger District

Quick Facts

Anthracite Pass Trail

Beginning Elevation:	9,120 Feet (2842.9 Meters)
Difficulty:	Most Difficult
Elevation Gain:	1,000 Feet (311.7 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	10,120 Feet (3154.6 Meters)
Length:	1.0 Miles (1.67 Kilometers)
Pets:	Yes - Leashed
Trail Number:	1969
Usage:	Light
USGS Maps:	Marble

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Porcupines are often viewed in a high perch

This is a very difficult day hike to a mountain pass offering wonderful views of surrounding peaks. The trail ascends through through groves of aspen, pine forests and open meadows. Due to the steep terrain, this trail is recommended for experienced hikers and backpackers. Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of the trail and streams.

The trail starts a quarter mile up Yule Creek trail and ends at Anthracite Pass. This is a short, very steep trail. Most people agree that the climb is worth the beautiful views from atop the Raggeds Wilderness. There is hiking and heavy horse use on this trail in the fall during hunting season. Great area to view wildflowers. You can also get to the pass from the Raspberry Creek trail.

Directions from Carbondale`: Travel south on Colorado Highway 133 for 25 miles past Carbondale. Turn left on to County Road 3 and continue 7 miles to the town of Marble. Turn right at the fire station and park at the old Marble Mill Historical Site. Cross the bridge and travel up the Marble quarry road 2 3/4 miles. The Yule Creek Trail #2083 trailhead is on your right, about 1/4 mile before the quarry. Shortly after beginning to hike up the Yule Creek Trail take a right turn onto the Anthracite Pass Trail.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: June through September (NOTE: Snow may obstruct the trail at high elevations Early and Late in the season.) .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

No Current Conditions entered Updated: 2003-04-09 13:18:00.0

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Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: As you will find in most sources on the internet, this hike is short, but extremely difficult. The view from the top is good, but somewhat obscured by the trees. I would definitely suggest walking some of the Raspberry Trail to see the absolutely stunning views of the lakes and waterfalls in the valley. We saw no one the entire hike, so this is for the die-hards!
Conditions: Very steep, muddy, even 1-2 days after the heavy rains.
Water Availability: There are streams along the way. Bring a 50oz hydration pack, if you have.
Recommended Clothing: We were comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt (mid-day).
Suggested Accessories: We ended up eating more than we thought we would.

Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: Okay guys ! This is an awesome trip !Bring lots of film.The whole trip is a climb, make sure your horse is in shape!!The first part of the trail is known as the 'Elevator Shaft'...it's true.Once you near the top...the views are AWESOME!You can also drop over onto Kebler Pass(it goes to Crested Butte), Trails Illustrated Maps show this best.You need the Maroon Bells/Marble edition.As for hunting...WOW, there are some big bulls,check it out around Sept while they are bugling...you should see the size of the wallows up there!There is not too much traffic up there because there are so many other 'easy' trails in the area.I would not tackle that area after second rifle season though...very tough going once it snows, it's steep enough that the horses may go down,slick!Once you are up there, it levels off as much as one can expect for a mountain side. Very worth the tough trek, not too much use and darn beautiful! Please, once again...do not torture yourself or your horses...make sure that you and the horses are in top shape!

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Hiking & Walking	Anthracite Pass Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Anthracite Pass Trail	Yes
	Big Game Hunting	Anthracite Pass Trail	Yes