Scarp Trail #421

The Scarp Trail #421 begins at an intersection with the Ridge 70 Trail and dead ends at Scarp Ridge at the Raggeds Wilderness boundary. The trail climbs a steep grassy hillside which is covered in wildflowers in the spring and summer. It switchbacks steeply to the ridgeline and follows along the ridge until it reaches Scarp Ridge which is marked with a wooden post marker at the summit. From here there are spectacular views of Mt. Own, Ruby Peak, Afley Peak, and Purple Peak to the west/southwest, Blue Lake below, the Oh-Be-Joyful basin below and to the east. There are outstanding view of Lake Irwin and the Anthracite Range on the return route.

General Information

June - October

Open to hiking, horseback, and mountain bike.

Getting There

Elevation

12,160 ft.

Directions

From Crested Butte: Travel west on Gunnison County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road, for 6.5 miles to Forest Service Road 826, Lake Irwin Road. Continue on FSR 826 for 2.8 miles, past the campground, to the intersection with the FSR 826.1D, Green Lake Road. Turn north onto FSR 826.1D and continue for approximately 0.3 miles to the intersection with FSR 826.1C, Irwin Lodge Road. Turn east onto FSR 826.1C and continue for approximately 1 mile to the authorized parking area. Vehicles are allowed to turn around at the lodge or drop people off, but all parking is 0.6 mile before the lodge. Follow the Ridge 70 Trail for about 0.1 mile to the intersection with the Scarp Trail.