Crag Crest #711

The Crag Crest Trail #711 is a designated National Recreation Trail and is restricted to foot travel except for the first 1.5 miles of trail from the West Trailhead. This section, which connects the West Trailhead with the Cottonwood Trailhead, is also open to horses. This trail has become popular because it offers many scenic vistas and a unique display of geologic history. It connects Island Lake with Eggleston Lake, however, this may be extended to a circular hike by returning to the original trailhead on the Crag Crest Lower Loop Trail #711.1A. The trail rises steeply to the crest from the East Trailhead, and more gradually from the West Trailhead. Some sections along the top portion of the crest are narrow with drop-offs on both sides. Due to the high elevation of this trail, travel is often hampered by snow drifts until early July.

Geo-Ref Trail Map   Geo-Reference Instructions   Crag Crest Brochure

At a Glance

Open Season: July
Usage: Heavy
Best Season: Summer
Busiest Season: Summer
Restrictions: Open to Hiking & Horseback for the first 1.5 miles from W. TH, Hiking only after that.
Closest Towns: Cedaredge, CO and Mesa, CO

General Information

Directions:

WESTERN ACCESS:

Travel approximately 22 miles south on Highway 65 Mesa, or travel north for approximately 16 miles from Cedaredge. The Crag Crest Trail begins out of the southeast corner of the parking area.                                               

EASTERN ACCESS:

Travel approximately 25 miles south on Highway 65 from Mesa, or approximately 15 miles north from Cedaredge to Trickel Park Road, FSR #121.  Travel east for approximately 3.6 miles on the Trickel Park Road to the Crag Crest Campground and Trailhead. A parking area does exist outside of the campground which will accommodate approximately 25 vehicles.
 


Parking:

WESTERN TRAILHEAD:

Off Highway 65 above Island Lake.  T.  12S.,  R.  95W.,  Sec.  3.  U.S.G.S. Map:  Grand Mesa.       

 

EASTERN TRAILHEAD:

Crag Crest Campground off of Trickel Park Road, FSR #121.  T.  11S.,  R.  95W.,  Sec.  31.  U.S.G.S. Map:  Grand Mesa.

             


Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Day Hiking

Horse Riding

Horse Travel First 1.5 Miles from the West Trailhead.