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A high alpine traverse among some big peaks and valleys.


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Map Key

4.8

Miles

7.7

KM

98%

Runnable

11,691' 3,563 m

High

11,294' 3,442 m

Low

420' 128 m

Up

420' 128 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Getting to the trailhead is a bit of a gnarly drive. 4x4 is recommended but careful driving and AWD should be okay too, if you choose to come from Washington Gulch. For Slate River Rd, you definitely want a 4wd rig.

Overview

The hike is neither steep nor technically challenging, but the steep rocky slopes feel very exposed and are not well suited for those afraid of heights or exposure. Nevertheless, the views and remote feel make this route a high bang for the buck.

Need to Know

Snow can last long into the summer here, almost longer than anywhere in the state. It can sometimes make the route quite impassible.

Description

Yule Pass is the launch point for several mountains in the area; before getting on this trail, you can go up Cinnamon Mountain to your right for a quick mile up, mile down summit; you can also run Treasury Mountain that veers right off the main trail after less than a mile on the pass. Plus, many options are available from the end of Yule Pass, such as Purple Mountain.

Yule Pass Trail starts at 11,330 feet and is closed to all modes of transportation besides foot traffic. Right away you're graced with expansive views of the rugged green valley and the mountain peaks beyond.

The trail is pretty narrow at times and it just skirts along the side of some big mountains. It is washed out in places, so careful footing is necessary. It is probably not for those with a fear of heights. The trail is nice though, it has some short ups and downs but nothing sustained or substantial.

This is a cruisy trail that is less than 5 miles RT and only gains a couple hundred feet of elevation along the way. The views along the way definitely make this trail one for the books.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff with improvements by Ashley Peterson

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#3407

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#482

in Colorado

#3,407

Overall
2 Views Last Month
533 Since Oct 18, 2018
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
33%
0%
33%
0%
0%

Photos

Spectacular sunrise from the Cinnamon Trail.
Sep 22, 2023 near Crested…, CO
The Majestic Yule Pass view.
Sep 14, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Sunrise from the Cinnamon Trail.
Sep 22, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Yule Pass Trail.
Sep 14, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Talus slop.
Jul 24, 2022 near Crested…, CO
Late July.
Jul 24, 2022 near Crested…, CO

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