ABOUT
SPRING
GULCH
The Spring Gulch Trail System is operated by the Mt Sopris Nordic Council (a 501(c) (3) non-profit) in partnership with the private landowners of the N. Thompson Cattlemen's Association and Crystal River Ranch.
The 28+ km of regularly groomed cross-country ski trails were built by local skiers for the community, whose support it could not exist without. Please consider becoming a member, or donating $15/day to help us maintain this treasured asset.
Spring Gulch lies 100% on private property, which is leased during the winter. Use of the trails for any purpose other than cross-country skiing during the winter is strictly prohibited, and entrance outside of posted opening/closing dates is illegal trespass. Please respect gate closures, and as always, respect the land and leave no trace.
Spring Gulch is for cross-country skiing only; no dogs, snowshoes, AT skis, sledding, or motorized equipment.
Though just outside of town, skiing at Spring Gulch is a wilderness experience. Cell service is limited, and the only facility available is a porta-potty at each trailhead. Plan ahead, as weather can be quite different than down in the valley!
Executive Director
Rachel Bachman Perkins
24/25 Board of Directors:
Mike Shook, President
Elliot Norquist, Vice President
Paul Perry, Treasurer
Marj Perry, Cattleman's Representative
John Armstrong
Sloan Shoemaker
August Teague
Sarah Kuhn
Groomers:
Dom Eymere
Robin Scher
More Information:
Nestled a few miles west of Carbondale, CO the trail system sits in a relatively remote and quiet valley. Few signs of modernity exist. Juniper, gambel oak and pinon dominates the hillsides while the wooden fences, cattle guards, and clearings are indicators that the area is still actively ranched. It is not uncommon to spot bald or golden eagles in the sky, or deer and the occasional elk striding through the valley floor. These features leave the visitor feeling as if they are experiencing a taste of the "old west" - and in some ways they are!
A tour through the grounds of the trail system offer the nordic skier of any level, not only that sense of place and history, but also exciting skiing and timeless, stunning views. These unique features reveal what is truly special about Spring Gulch and why the valley locals refer to it as "a diamond in the rough".
Today, the town of Carbondale, CO is recognized as a recreationalist's paradise. Located in the Central Rocky Mountains, and perched under the magnificent 12,953-foot Mt. Sopris, the high mountain environment and the rugged landscape not only provide a plethora of outdoor pursuits, but the aesthetics to compliment and enhance their enjoyment. The Spring Gulch Trail System is no exception.
> Photo courtesy of Garfield County, Colorado: The First Hundred Years 1883-1983 by Andrew Gulliford
*NO dogs, motorized equipment, snow or fat bikes, AT skis, snowmobiles, sledding, snowshoeing, snowboarding,
tubing, hiking, etc. allowed.