Brush Creek

The Brush Creek Trail #400 begins at the end of East Brush Creek Road, FSR #738.2B and ends at the Taylor River Head Road, FSR #761.1D. This trail follows the east branch of Brush Creek for its entirety. It climbs Starr Pass which tops out at 12,300 feet before dropping rapidly in a descent that goes on for several miles. The climb to the pass is worth the effort because of the specular alpine views and the magnificent high alpine wildflowers. A loop can be accomplished by combining the Brush Creek Trail #400, Crystal Peak Trail #583, and Block and Tackle Trail #545.

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For a description of the area please call the Gunnison Ranger District at 970-641-0471

The Crystal Peak Trail #583 begins at Cement Creek Road, FSR #740 and ends at its intersection with the Brush Creek Trail #400. This trail is mostly above treeline and climbs approximately 1,000 vertical feet in the just 2 miles. At almost 3 miles it intersects with the Mt. Tilton Spur Trail #582.1A which connects the Crystal Peak Trail to the Mt. Tilton Trial #852. After this intersection, the Crystal Peak Trail is also open to Motorcycles. The alpine views are specular making it worth the climb.

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The Cumberland Basin Trail #579 starts on Forest Service Road 738, Brush Creek Road, and ends at Cumberland Basin. This trail travels within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area . It follows along Middle Brush Creek the entire length, ending at the high Cumberland Basin with spectacular view of Castle Peak, raising up 14,265 feet.

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The Deer Creek Trail #568 begins at the end of Deer Creek Road, FSR #582 off of West Brush Creek Road, FSR #738.2A and ends at Forest Service Road #956 about half a mile from Gothic Road, County Road 317. This trail faces south, southwest and is at a relatively moderate elevation, so it opens earlier in the spring. At the end of Deer Creek Road, which can be pretty rough, the Deer Creek Trail is very distinct and easy to follow. There are a couple of creek crossing before the trail begins a steady steep climb. At the top the views of the upper East River valley and the back of Crested Butte Mountain are spectacular. Continue along the flanks of Whiterock Mountain where there are several descents and ascents. There are great views of Gothic Mountain in the open meadows. Near the end of the trail it veers left to avoid private property and is well signed. It comes to an end at a double track which will take you back to the Gothic Road.

Double Top Trail #405 begins at the intersection with the Brush Creek Trail #400 and ends at the intersection with the Farris Creek Bypass Trail #409.5A . As the trail leaves the Brush Creek Trail it is relatively lever for the first mile descending and ascending slightly. After approximately 1.5 miles the trail intersects the Hunters Creek Trail #410, follow the right fork. In approximately a mile, the trail will travel along a ridgeline. It then begins to descend as it reaches the intersection with the Block and Tackle Trail #545. The trail will begin to ascend for approximately 2 miles until it reaches a ridge and in approximately a half a mile with intersect with the Waterfall Creek Trail #555. At this fork stay to the right and the trail will begin to ascend Double Top Mountain. At an elevation of approximately 11,600 feet, it skirts the eastern flanks of Double Top Mountain for approximately a mile before beginning to descend near the southern slope. On the southern side of the mountain, the trail reaches an intersection with the Double Waterfall Spur Trail #405.3A and follows the right fork. It then leads around the southeastern side of Point Lookout and descends to an intersection with the Double Walrod Spur Trail #405.2A before coming to an end at the intersection with the Farris Creek Bypass Trail.

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