Oh-Be-Joyful #836
The Oh-Be-Joyful Trail #836 begins at the southeast forest boundary at Oh-Be-Joyful Trailhead and ends at the Daisy Pass Trail #404. After the first mile it enters the Raggeds Wilderness as it travels west paralleling Oh-Be-Joyful Creek its entire length. It ascends along an old two track for the first 2 miles eventually becoming a single path traveling through dense spruce/fir forest. When the trail enters a long meadow the surrounding mountain peaks become visible with Schuylkill Mountain raising 12,146 feet in the north and Oh-Be-Joyful Peak raising 12,420 feet in the west. Due to the abundance of moisture and fertile basins along this trail in the spring and early summer, wildflowers are abundant. Look for our State flower the Columbine; other species include Indian Paintbrush and Avalanche Lilies.
At a Glance
Open Season: | June - September |
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Usage: | Medium |
Best Season: | Summer |
Busiest Season: | Fall Hunting |
Restrictions: | Open to hiking and horseback riding. |
Closest Towns: | Crested Butte, CO |
Information Center: | Gunnison Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:Oh-Be-Joyful Trailhead:
From Crested Butte: Travel north on County Road 734, Slate River Road, for approximately 5 miles to BLM Road 3220. Turn left onto 3220 and continue for approximately 0.4 miles to a parking area near the Slate River. BLM Road 3220 is steep and can be rough. The trail begins after crossing the river which should not be attempted during spring runoff.
Horse Ranch Park:
From Paonia: Travel northeast on Highway 133 for approximately 15 miles to County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road. Turn east onto CR 12 and continue east for approximately 19 miles. Horse Ranch Park dispersed camping area is an open meadow on the left just over the bridge. Follow the Dark Canyon Trail #830 for 2 miles, then take Silver Basin Trail #834 for about 3 miles to the junction with the Oh-Be-Joyful Trail #835.
From Crested Butte: Travel west on County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road, for approximately 11 miles. Horse Ranch Park dispersed camping area is an open meadow on the right just before the bridge. Follow the Dark Canyon Trail #830 for 2 miles, then take Silver Basin Trail #834 for about 3 miles to the junction with the Oh-Be-Joyful Trail #835.
Parking:
Oh-Be-Joyful Trailhead:
T. 13 S; R. 86 W; Section: 20. U.S.G.S. Map: Oh-Be-Joyful. Elevation: 8,960 feet. Latitude: N38.909, Longitude: W-107.039.
Horse Ranch Park:
T. 14 S.; R. 87 W.; Section 6. U.S.G.S. Map: Marcellina Mountain. Elevation: 8,510 feet. Latitude: N38.864, Longitude: W-107.161.