1 1/2 miles from Mitchell Creek, there is a public use tent which provides a nice place to stop for lunch or rest. Just past the tent, the trail follows the Wurtz Ditch Road for half mile. Consequently, the trail returns back into heavy forests and returns back to the original trailhead.

There are several tours available from the south side of Tennessee Pass. Also, the trails are the first ones to get snow due to their elevation. The trails are maintained and signed by the Pike/San Isabel National Forest. The Blue diamonds in the trees mark the trails.

TRAIL TIPS

Obtain current avalanche information at 970-827-5687.

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: Follow I-70 west to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 south, through the town of Minturn, and continue a total distance of 23 miles from the highway until you reach the summit of Tennessee Pass. Look for the first major turnoff on the right (west) side onto a highway, adjacent to Ski Cooper entrance. This is the trailhead... park here.

Directions from Beaver Creek: Follow I-70 east to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 south, through the town of Minturn, and continue a total distance of 23 miles from the highway until you reach the summit of Tennessee Pass. Look for the first major turnoff on the right (west) side onto a highway, adjacent to Ski Cooper entrance. This is the trailhead... park here.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: November through May (NOTE: Seasons vary depending on weather and snow depth) .