Redstone to McClure Pass Trail Gets Forest Service Okay

A new trail from Redstone, Colorado, to the top of McClure Pass (both along CO 133 and loosely following the Crystal River) has been okayed by the US Forest Service.

The new trail is to be constructed and managed by Pitkin County.

“The trail will improve public access and provide a safer alternative to hiking and biking along Highway 133,” said Acting White River National Forest Supervisor Heather Noel. “It will also help meet the growing demand for local and regional trail connectivity within the upper Crystal River Valley.”

The 7-mile trail will be a natural surface, non-motorized, multi-use recreation trail. It will be constructed within the CO 133 right-of-way and along the historic Rock Creek Wagon and Old McClure Pass roads.

The Forest Service’s decision covers the approximately five miles of trail that cross National Forest System land.

The decision also takes into account prevalent informal, unmanaged public use currently occurring along portions of the approved trail corridor. The formal trail approval ensures design and management measures will be in place to mitigate adverse impacts and ensure long-term sustainability.

The approved trail incorporates proper trail design to reduce physical impacts as well as a seasonal closure to all visitor use from Dec. 1 through April 30 to mitigate potential impacts to wintering elk. Trail construction will also be limited to between July 15 and November 15 to minimize impacts to elk, nesting songbirds, and lynx.

The trail will likely connect to the existing Crystal River Trail south of Carbondale that goes as far as the KOA campground.

The final decision by the Forest Service and the agency's Finding of No Significant Impact are available here .