Read an Excerpt

Jones Pass

• Distance Up to 8 miles, out-and-back
• Difficulty Easy–challenging
• Elevation Gain 2,600' (starting at 10,000')
• Trail Use Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, skiing, leashed dogs OK
• Agency Clear Creek Ranger District, Arapaho National Forest
• Map(s) Latitude 40° Summit County Trails

DIRECTIONS
Take I-70 west from Denver and exit at Empire for Berthoud Pass/Winter Park. Drive through Empire toward the pass. When you come to the first sharp bend to the right, exit to the left for Henderson Mine. Continue north on the mine road until you reach the designated parking area. The road is closed at the trailhead that serves both the Jones Pass trail and the Butler Gulch trail. Travel west through the trees on the joint trail until a junction at approximately 0.25 mile. Bear right for the Jones Pass trail or left for the more difficult and advanced Butler Gulch trail.

DESCRIPTION
You have some glimpses of the ridgeline as you travel through the trees. At a little less than 0.5 mile you break out of the trees and enjoy the panorama of the valley and soaring ridgeline. Avalanche runout zones are observable on the steep slopes to the west. The trail/road steepens as it switchbacks. It then travels through a varied landscape of high mountain meadows and trees. You can go all the way to the summit of the pass or turn around whenever you wish. If you continue to the top of the pass, you will see a trail that goes south. You can take this to the top of Butler Gulch for a loop hike. Route-finding is easier if you start with Butler Gulch and travel clockwise.