Copyright: USDA Forest Service
Sunset from Resolution Mountain
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INTRODUCTION
This is truly a classic jeep road for this area, featuring some steep climbs, tight forest areas, and sweeping alpine meadows... topped off with everyone's favorite, a small bridge over a perfect mountain creek at the start (great for pictures). The beginning of this trail is the most difficult part with a formidable rocky road and the bridge crossing. Be sure to check the bridge before continuing. If it is not passable, please do not cross through the creek. Check with the White River National Forest Service if you have any questions. This area is frequented by elk, deer, and hawks. Be sure to look for wildlife or signs (tracks or scat). About 3 miles from the start of this road, you'll see a pullover spot on your left (NE). Be sure to take a short walk on the footpath from this spot. It leads to a large meadow usually filled with wildflowers in the summer. Back on the road from this spot, you'll enjoy a steep climb to the summit of Ptarmigan Pass, a great spot for all backcountry enthusiasts, and even sheepherders. This pass is aptly named for the large number of Ptarmigans in this area. This large grouse-like bird changes the colors of its feathers from brown and white in the summer to pure white in the winter. If you are lucky enough to spot a very young one, they are white with black polka dots. You may notice remnants of buildings in this area--they are old saw mills that operated near the turn of the century, and supplied many of the ranches and farms in this area with building supplies. From the summit of this pass Wearyman Jeep Road turns into Resolution Road . Continue straight (south) on the graded, two wheel drive dirt road for 7 miles to Camp Hale. From the exit of Camp Hale, you'll rejoin Highway 24. TRAIL TIPS
Please help us control erosion, and stay on this road at all times. This is especially true at the beginning creek crossing! The beginning of this road is very narrow, watch for vehicles traveling in the other direction. 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.
Directions from Vail: Travel west on I-70 to the Minturn exit, #171. Turn right (south) from the off-ramp onto Highway 24. Follow Highway 24 south through the town of Minturn to the Redcliff turnoff (unmarked) approximately 9 miles from the interstate. Watch for this turn off BEFORE the large and beautiful suspension bridge--the turn is to your left (east) just before the bridge begins. Follow this narrow paved road to the town of Redcliff, but keep your speed low due to speed control dips. This road turns into Eagle Street when you reach the town about 1/2 mile from the bridge. Look for the first left turn for Shrine Pass, the two wheel drive dirt road that accesses Wearyman Road. The trailhead is the first turn on the right off Shrine Pass Road. You'll see two creeks joining at the trailhead, as well as a Forest Service sign. Stay on the main road, avoiding spur roads that usually lead to hunting camps. At the completion of the road, you'll be at a dirt road intersection in Camp Hale. Follow the road straight ahead, and it will quickly take a right turn (headed north). Follow this road about 1/2 mile until it turns left and joins Highway 24.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Summer through Fall
(NOTE: Seasons vary depending on snow depth and weather)
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Open. Snow at resolution mtn. and Ptarmigan pass. May be muddyand snow packed due to current weather conditions. Updated: 2001-06-13 11:35:00.0
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