Camp Trail #476 - Gunnison NF, CO

Overview: Camp Trail is a straightforward hike starting near the Lake Fork Gunnison River up to the Continental Divide. Most of the trail is moderate, but the upper mile is more difficult.


Hike: The trail starts on the east side of the small parking area and is an old road for the first couple hundred feet. It quickly changes to single-track as it gently climbs uphill. After a short distance, the trail crosses a bridge over a creek and then continues eastward. The trail is in good condition and seems to receive at least annual maintenance. Shade is abundant as you first hike through conifer trees, then enter a large aspen grove. Autumn would make for a very colorful hike during these first few miles of the trail.The climb is moderate for the first 2.50 miles, then begins to get somewhat steeper. The payoff is the views get better as you climb higher towards the Continental Divide looming above. At approx 3.30 miles, the trail abruptly reaches a large talus field and turns right as it skirts the western edge of the rocks. My first inclination was that this field looked like part of the mountain above had a large slide. A later look at the satellite view confirmed this suspicion, as it is obviously a slide.

The trail gets steeper as it winds back into the trees before popping back out at the edge of the talus field higher up. At this point, the trail turns sharply to the west, then south for the final steep climb up to a saddle on the Divide. This is the only section of the trail that has poor footing. Once you approach the saddle, the trail fades as you cross a broad field. Aiming slightly to your right to the saddle brings a sign into view, marking the trail's end at the Continental Divide. Views are good in all directions. There is a Colorado Trail Yurt visible slightly to the northeast, and it is possible to walk in either direction along the Divide for further exploration.

2023-09-19 LindaAnn