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Trail Run Mushroom Rock and Red Hill

Carbondale, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Ben Thomas

Run through red desert hills and rolling trails with excellent views of the Rocky Mountains along the way.

Mushroom Rock sits high above Colorado Highway 82 overlooking the town of Carbondale. With huge views up the Crystal and Roaring Fork River Valleys, terrain that inspires more desert-Utah than Rocky-Mountain-Colorado, this recreation area feels like a getaway even when it is minutes from Main Street.

Start by parking in the lot at the bottom of County Road 107 on the North side of Highway 82. Warm your legs up on the 0.3 mile approach to the Red Hill trailhead just off to the left of County Road 107. Once you've hit the trailhead, take a right up the Three Gulch trail. This trail winds up to the back side of Red Hill, eventually connecting with the Blue Ribbon trail around 1.5 miles from the parking lot. For a quick 3 mile loop, follow Blue Ribbon up to the top of Red Hill and scramble down to Mushroom Rock for the iconic Sopris-over-Carbondale-view. From there, head down on the Mushroom Rock trail that goes east along the edge of Red Hill, high above Highway 82. Follow this back to the Three Poles trail which will lead you north, back down to the trailhead, completing the loop. For bonus points, or to make the run a but longer, add on the Bogus Trail and/or Faerie Trail. During the summer, adding the Elk Traverse section can create an amazing backcountry half-marathon.

The terrain is decently technical, but it is all on trails. Please make your best effort to stay on trail, as this area doesn't need any help eroding away. The Mushroom Rock trail is steep on the descent, so keep an eye on your speed (and your knees!).

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Features

Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Scenic

Reviews

Loved this hike. Did on our way out from Aspen

Ever wonder why so many people are hiking up a dirt road near the highway? It's probably one of the best short hikes in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Prince Creek

Mountain Bike Prince Creek

Camp at Thomas Lake and Summit Mt. Sopris

Hike Hay Park

Hike the Grizzly Creek Trail

Relax at Glenwood Hot Springs