The first 1.5 miles of this scenic trail are moderately steep with some switchbacks passing through spruce/fir forest. As the trail levels, it follows the Red Table Mountain ridge climbing the peak of Mount Thomas, 11,977 feet and VABM, 12,037 feet. The trail becomes more rocky, traveling through an alpine zone with little vegetation. This worn path is well-marked with large rock cairns. After about 7 miles, the trail descends into sparse stands of spruce/fir forest and it ends in a large meadow connecting onto the Red Table Mountain 4-wheel drive road, FDR 514.SPECIAL INTERESTS
SCENIC VIEWS - The Mt. Thomas trail's best feature are the panoramic views seen in all directions. The whole Frying Pan Valley, Ruedi Reservoir, Maroon Bells and Snowmass of Aspen can be seen to the south. Looking northward, the Brush Creek drainage, Leeman Gulch with associated lakes and the snowcapped peaks of the Gore Range are visible.
WILDLIFE - Mule deer may be seen in the forested areas, while the elk are more often in the meadows. The rocky alpine region is home to the pika, a small gray relative of the rabbit and the yellow-bellied marmot.
WILDFLOWERS - Many species of brilliant colored alpine wildflowers are found along the mountain ridge top.
Directions from Eagle: Go 10 miles south on the Brush Creek Road, turn right at the Y onto West Brush Creek Road, FDR 400. Travel about 10 miles, going past Sylvan Lake to Crooked Creek Pass. Turn right just past the cattleguard and go 1/2 mile on this short rough road. There is limited parking at the trailhead. Parking for trailers is at Crooked Creek Pass. There are no facilities.
Directions from Beaver Creek: Travel west on I-70 to Eagle (exit #147). Turn left and drive into Eagle. Turn left on Capitol Street and follow to Brush Creek Road. Turn left and follow Brush Creek Road10 miles south of Eagle. Turn right at the Y onto West Brush Creek Road, FDR 400. Travel about 10 miles, going past Sylvan Lake to Crooked Creek Pass. Turn right just past the cattleguard and go 1/2 mile on this short rough road. There is limited parking at the trailhead. Parking for trailers is at Crooked Creek Pass. There are no facilities.
Directions from Vail: Travel west on I-70 to Eagle (exit #147). Turn left and drive into Eagle. Turn left on Capitol Street and follow to Brush Creek Road. Turn left and follow Brush Creek Road10 miles south of Eagle. Turn right at the Y onto West Brush Creek Road, FDR 400. Travel about 10 miles, going past Sylvan Lake to Crooked Creek Pass. Turn right just past the cattleguard and go 1/2 mile on this short rough road. There is limited parking at the trailhead. Parking for trailers is at Crooked Creek Pass. There are no facilities.
Seasonal Information:
Recommended Season:
July through September .
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Updated: 2001-06-26 14:44:00.0
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