Shirley Site Trailhead

Mountain Biking

Riders can take off from Shirley Site and ride any number of trails from Silver Creek, Poncha Creek, Marshall Pass and the Rainbow Trail.

For detailed maps and information on mountain biking routes near Shirley site, call the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591 or stop by our office at 325 W. Rainbow Blvd. in Salida.

OHV Road Riding

Shirley Site is a great spot to off-load ATV's and dirt bikes for a day's ride on the Marshall Pass road or the more challenging Toll Road that travels south to the historic town of Bonanza.

All OHV's must have current Colorado OHV registration. ATV's and unlicensed motorcycles may be ridden on the Marshall Pass road, Poncha Creek and the Toll Roads.

Dispersed camping is not allowed at the Shirley Site Trailhead, but it is allowed along Poncha Creek, Silver Creek and the Marshall Pass Road. If you choose to camp in these dispersed areas, please follow these guidelines:

• Camp in an existing dispersed campsite, do not create new roads or campsites. Limit parking to bare and compacted areas. Keep motorized vehicles within one vehicle length from a designated system road or trail. Make no new tracks in campsites.Use one way in and out to reduce disturbance of soil and vegetation. DO NOT CAUSE RESOURCE DAMAGE

• Camp 150 feet away from lakes, streams and trails. Dispose of wash water 100 feet away from any water source. Bury human waste in a hole 6 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source, trail, or campsite. A portable toilet system is highly recommended Pack out toilet paper, tampons, and leftover food. LEAVE NO TRACE.  For more information on Leave No Trace guidelines, visit: https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

Do not damage live trees and plants by cutting them with axes or hatchets. Don’t dig up plants, leave wildflowers for others to enjoy – don’t pick them

• Please stay on the trails. Cutting switchbacks and avoiding wet and muddy sections can cause severe erosion and multiple paths. Alpine tundra is very susceptible to damage. Walk on durable routes of rock or talus. In the spring, travel on snow and rocks, or plan your trip during drier conditions.

Be a responsible pet owner, dogs must be leashed (36 CFR 261.8 d) and cleanup after your pet!

• Secure pack animals 200 feet away from lakes, streams, and trails. A picket line is less damaging to trees than direct tying. Move stock often when picketing to prevent resource damage. You must follow Weed-Free forage guidelines for National Forests Grasslands in the Rocky Mountain Region. https://www.colorado.gov/agconservation/weedfreeforage

 If you choose to have a campfire, consider the following:

• Keep it small in size and limit it to evening and early morning hours when the heat is most needed.

• Build your fire in an existing fire ring that is at least 100 feet from water. Do not build new fire rings.

• Avoid having fires above tree-line. Removing dead wood from Krummholz (dwarf trees near timberline) affects their survival.

• Collection of dead and down wood for immediate campfire use is allowed except for posted sites.

Remember to put out your campfire DEAD-OUT!!

Pour water on the fire to drown ALL embers until hissing stops. Stir ashes with a shovel and scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers. Continue adding water and stirring until all material is cold to the touch.     

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The Shirley Site trailhead is a good starting point for cross-country skier and snowshoers who want to access the Marshall Pass area. A large parking area is available. Snow conditions may vary and during low snowfall winters, skiers and snowshoers may need to park further up on County Road 200 at the gate for the Marshall Pass road.

Please note that the Marshall Pass road is a multiple use area enjoyed by snowmobiler, skiers and snowshoers alike. Practice courtesy towards other users.

Snowmobiling

Shirley Site is a popular off-loading area for snowmobiles during the winter months. Marshall Pass is a great ride up to the top of the Continental Divide. The Heart of the Rockies Snowmobile club grooms the Marshall Pass route on a regular basis.