This trail north of Steamboat Springs, in the Mt Zirkel area, leads from the Gold Creek Lake Trail #1150, to Red Dirt Pass. A hiker can reach the top of Mt Zirkel from this trail.

Attractions and Considerations:

This area was affected by a large tree blowdown. Contact the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District for current conditions.

This trail is in good condition west of the Divide. It goes past Slavonia Mine above timberline, and switches back up to Red Dirt Pass. At the top of Red Dirt Pass you can climb northwest and travel to the top of Mt. Zirkel. The trail on Flat Top Mt. is to the southeast and is fairly steep.

Narrative: The Red Dirt Pass Trail begins along the Gilpin Lake Trail #1161, 1/4 mile north of the Gold Creek Trail #1150. The trail ends at the junction with the Shafer Creek Trail #1127, on The Parks Ranger District. The trail on the east side of the divide is nonexistent, unimproved, and you must use your topographic map and compass to pick up the trail lower down the mountain. The trail can be found again in Frying Pan Basin. A few rock cairns mark the trail at the base of the Pass on the east side. At the point where the trail fades (before crossing Shafer Creek) the hiker bushwhacks through brushy meadows and huge Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir.

LEAVE NO TRACE

As humans, we must minimize our impacts to help preserve this resource for present and future generations.

Directions: From Steamboat Springs, Take HWY 40 west of town and turn right on to County Road 129. Travel north about 18 miles to the Seedhouse Road (Forest Road 400; also County Road 64) and turn right. Continue for about 10 miles to the end of the Slavonia trailhead parking. Hike the Gold Creek Trail #1150 to Ute Pass. Continue on trail Red Dirt Pass Trail #1142 north along the side of the valley.

Elevation: 9,900 feet

Ending Elevation: 11,400 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet

Usage: Moderate to Heavy

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information

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