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Hiking / Trail Running

Colorado’s picturesque mountain terrain has attracted hiking enthusiasts from around the world for well over a hundred years. Hikers and trail runners looking to escape the daily grind and reconnect with nature can easily find a trail that suits their speed. Whether a quiet, peaceful hike through a wildflower meadow or summiting one of Colorado’s 54 challenging 14’ers (14,000’+ of elevation), there is no shortage of hiking trails in Colorado.

Many hikes are family friendly, pet-friendly, horse-friendly and mountain bike friendly while other trails are specific to pedestrian traffic only or are shared with off-road motorists. Some Colorado trails are impassible in the winter without proper winter gear. Be sure to do your homework before taking off on an unfamiliar hike. There are some great web links listed below to help guide you to your perfect trail.


Where to begin?! Let’s start close to the lodge and work our way out from there.
 

Hikes From Tomichi Lodge

 

Feel free to enjoy these hikes year around and shorten as needed. Snowshoes or skis are required mid-October through mid/late May.

#1 - The historic mining towns of Tomichi and White Pine left a maze of old silver mining trails and mining roads winding through what is now the Gunnison National Forest aka ‘our neighborhood’. Hikers can literally spend days exploring our valley floor all the way up to the many massive surrounding peaks. The iconic Monumental Peak, most often seen in the background of Tomichi Lodge photos, is the highest peak in the valley topping out at 13,369’ of elevation. There are another 8-10 peaks in our valley that surpass 12,000’ and also tower over Tomichi Lodge. Some of the old mining roads/trails on the east side of the valley head all the way up to the Continental Divide, but be prepared for a BIG hike.

#2 - Tomichi Pass (elevation 11,979’) is widely known as an off-roading challenge but for hikers who want a little less challenge than one of the monster peaks but still want to tackle a big hike, Tomichi Pass is worth doing. Be careful of the motorists climbing and descending. You can start from Tomichi Lodge and follow County Road 888 all the way up. Once you summit Tomichi Pass you’ll be offered some amazing photo opportunities. Follow CR 888 back down to the lodge.

#3 - Canyon Creek Trail is a local’s favorite mountain bike loop offering 19 challenging miles with picturesque views. Similar to the Tomichi Pass hike start at the lodge and work your way up County Road 888. Upon reaching treeline keep your eyes peeled for the Canyon Creek Trail sign, veering off of CR 888. This is where a challenging climb begins before topping out and offering up views of the surrounding peaks. The trail will descend all the way down to the Snowblind Campground – located approximately 4.5 miles below Tomichi Lodge on CR 888. Hike back to the lodge along the road and get ready to kick back and put your feet up for the rest of the night.

Hikes in the surrounding areas
#4 - Agate Creek
#5 - Brown’s Canyon WSA
#6 - Indian Creek
#7 - Lost Lake
#8 - Monarch Crest Trail
#9 - Mount Antero (14er)
#10 - Mount Ouray
#11 - Mount Princeton (14er)
#12 - Mount Shavano (14er)
#13 - Mount Yale (14er)
#14 - Poplar Gulch
#15 - Rainbow Trail
#16 - Waterdog Lake

Other Hiking Resources
www.hikingproject.com/
www.salidamountaintrails.org
www.14ers.com
www.alltrails.com
www.trails.com
www.tripblaze.com

Preferred Backcountry Retailers


Salida Mountain Sports – Salida, CO

The Trailhead – Buena Vista, CO

Rock and Roll Sports – Gunnison, CO

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