Big Hill - Little Park Area, CO

Warning
Mountain biking can be dangerous - please know your skill level and be appropriately prepared with PPE before starting any trail.


Overview
The Big Hill is not named or listed on local maps, but it follows an old disused road up a hill to a high vantage point of the Grand Valley.

Hike
The hike begins at the junction of the Gunny Cutoff and its lower intersection with the Gunny Loop. The hike is straightforward and is easy to follow. The old road ascends a high point to the northeast of the trail junction and gains roughly 100 feet in a tenth of a mile. This section of trail is not popular with mountain bikers, likely owing to the grade and lack of connections, but it is a popular destination for hikers. Once on top of the knoll, the road wraps around an old dispersed campsite to the rim. From here you have excellent views of the eastern Grand Valley, including Grand Mesa, the Bookcliffs and Mount Garfield, the Gunnison River, and the old Atomic Energy Commission field station. You can also see the Gunnison Loop below to the left and the Buttermilk Trail to the right from the viewpoint.

Once you've taken in the view, turn around, head down the hill, and connect in with the trail of your choice.

Water Sources
None, bring all you need.

Camping
No.

Note
This hike is not rated for mountain bikers but would likely be Difficult (Black) based on the verticality.

Check out the Official Route.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2020-05-16 PaleoRob