INTRODUCTIONThis road leads to high mountain meadows where snow tends to stay in patches year round. You'll also notice many logging areas, especially on the two wheel drive dirt road that brings you to the trailhead. Most of the road is through thickly forested area with occasional glimpses of mountain ranges to the west. There is a spur road to your right at 3/4 mile from the trailhead. This spur is not really worth exploring, and it ends almost as soon as it starts in private, fenced land. BACKCOUNTRY RESPONSIBILITY It is your responsibility to be aware of the potential risks and to take safety precautions at all times when you visit the National Forest. Changing terrain and weather conditions present a wide variety of hazards. Hazards include, but are not limited to: severe weather, snow and avalanches, obstacles of all kinds such as rocks, trees and stumps; over exertions, hypothermia, and becoming lost; remnants of mining and other activities involving excavations and debris; and exposure to unreasonable acts of other people. TRAIL TIPS Parking is very limited at the trailhead. Use extra caution pulling onto the highway. Obtain current avalanche information at 970-827-5687.
Directions from Vail: Follow I-70 to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 through the town of Minturn and continue 13 miles to road #705. The turn off on the right (west) side of the road is hard to see.. look for a small parking area immediately before the road sign. This is the trailhead... park here.Follow the FDR 705 road for 7 miles until you come to the marked trailhead on the right side (south) of the road. The road quickly becomes very steep at this point. Follow the trail either to the summit, then back track, or try Wurtz Ditch which eventually leads back to Hwy 24 on the south side of Tennessee Pass. Be careful of the spur roads. The main trail is much more rewarding.
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OPEN. but snow conditions exist. Muddy. Updated: 2001-06-13 11:36:00.0
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