Curecanti #870

The Curecanti Trail #870 begins at Beaver Reservoir and ends at Forest Service Road #720. It crosses the western lobe of the West Elk Wilderness from north to south, almost 12 miles of the trail are in the Wilderness Area where Wilderness Regulations apply. The well used trail climbs through aspen and spruce forests to Minnesota Pass. After a short descent the trail intersects with the Throughline Trail #860 and continues south around Coal Basin, winding through aspen glades and meadows. As the trail penetrates deeper into the wilderness around Sheep Mountain, traffic decreases and the trail becomes less defined. The long, steep climb up Curecanti Pass negotiates several hairpin switchbacks and a narrow rock ledge. The top of the pass offers spectacular views into the heart of the West Elk Mountains. The trail then gradually descends through alpine meadows and spruce glades into Curecanti Creek Canyon. As other trails tie in, the going becomes easier once again. Along this trail, expect to see deer, elk and bear. Cattle summer in Coal Basin. The steep north side of Curecanti Pass holds snow well into July.

Geo-Ref. Trail Map Geo-Reference Instructions

General Information

May

Open to hiking and horseback riding. Open to mountain bikes when NOT in the West Elk Wilderness Area.

Getting There

Elevation

10,400 ft

Directions

Beaver Reservoir:

From Paonia: Travel east on Minnesota Creek Road for approximately 5.3 miles to a “Y” in the road. Stay to the right, at the National Forest Boundary Minnesota Creek Rd. becomes Forest Service Road #710, Beaver Reservoir Road. Continue on FSR #710 for approximately 5.8 miles. Parking is on the south side of Beaver Reservoir where the trail begins.

Curecanti Road:

From Crawford: Travel south on Highway 92 for approximately 21 miles to Forest Service Road #720, Curecanti Road. Turn left onto FSR #720 and continue for approximately 7.4 miles to where the trail begins. FSR #720 can be challenging when wet. Trucks pulling horse trailers or ATVs should park and unload at the Curecanti Bridge which provides the last runaround.