LocalHikes - Detailed Hike Information

Reporter

Montezuma Mine

Highlights:	Streams, waterfalls, and mining ruins along an old roadway.
Near:	Aspen, CO
Scenery:
Distance:	9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:	2860 ft
Hike Time:	5.5 hours
Difficulty:	Moderate
Trail Condition:	OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:	Out and Back

Summary: Simply follow the old road as it works its way up to the Montezuma Mine. There are a few stream crossings. The first two large ones have nice bridges you can walk across, and after that they are usually shallow enough you can rock hop acrosss. The second stream crossing has the most beautiful falls near it. There are a few meadows along the hike that have beautiful flowers in the spring and summer. If hiking in winter or spring the road is less likely to have vehicle traffic as the snow will prevent their progress, but be wary of the avalanche danger on this route.

Trailhead: From the rotary intersection on the West end of Aspen take Castle Creek road south. Follow this road past the town of Ashcroft until you reach the road closed sign. Turn right here. If you are in a low clearance vehicle you should probably park here. If you have good clearance you can continue to the first stream crossing. After this you must have 4wd to get to the Pearl Pass road turn off. The road gets even more difficult after this. Few people continue past this point in a vehicle. (Lat:39.02895 Lon:-106.80788)

Trail Guides for Montezuma Mine:
Colorados Fourteeners
by Gerry Roach (Fulcrum Publishing)

Best Seasons: Year-Round

User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses,

Ranger Contact: Aspen Ranger Station 970-925-3445

Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted 97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.

Trail Reviews Submit your own review

Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.

Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Pitkin County Hiking, Pitkin County Trails, Pitkin County Hikes