Red Mountain Ranch is open to all of its homeowners.
In summer for leisurely walks and hiking.
in winter for backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Following are some of the classic outings homeowners routinely enjoy.
The Upper Loop
Although this 3.5 mile loop is on the dirt roads of Red Mountain Ranch,
this simple hike is arguably the place where you will meet your neighbors.
For many, this is the simplest way to go for a quiet walk,
and along the way, meet other homeowners and their dogs.
The complete loop has 500' of elevation gain.
The clockwise direction showcases Whetstone Mountain, Paradise Divide, Gothic Mountain,
Crested Butte Mountain, Teocalli Peak, Castle Peak, Star Mountain, and Taylor Pass.
The counter direction spreads the elevation gain into a less steep uphill
and features views to the south of Round Mountain, Double top, and Fossil Ridge.
The Homeowners' Trail
The Homeowners' Trail begins about 100 yards before the beginning of the Upper Loop;
it is directly across the road from the driveway at 3000 Red Mountain Ranch Road.
It provides access into the National Forest along a well-worn trail
that traverses the lower reaches of Red Mountain toward Flat Top.
This excellent trail follows a path of least resistance and parallels the boundaries of
Red Mountain Ranch, The Reserve on the East River, and The Danni Ranch.
It involves only slight ups and downs and has excellent footing.
In the spring and early summer, expect to navigate a few creek crossings.
The Summit Trail
The Red Mountain Summit Trail begins on the west side of the Upper Loop,
0.9 mile from its intersection with Red Mountain Ranch Road.
The recently improved trail winds its way to the summit of Red Mountain at 11,670'.
A new spur has also been developed off the main trail.
Meadows and Forests
In the winter, homeowners are able ski or snowshoe right out their back doors,
if they are willing to break their own trails.
Homeowners will find that in the winter, the deadfall and rock moraine fields
are snow covered and easier to traverse than in the summer.
Many homeowners take advantage of backcountry skiing to get their 'turns'
without ever driving to the ski area.
Make sure you have the requisite backcountry skills and have taken avalanche safety courses.
Gravity works!
Reminders
For those of us who backcountry ski or snowmobile into the National Forest,
please remember to stay off private land.
If headed toward Whetstone, the Spann property should be avoided. Please use GPS.
In addition, there is no snowmobiling allowed on Red Mountain Ranch.
Snowmobiles can only be used to access public land.
In summer for leisurely walks and hiking.
in winter for backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Following are some of the classic outings homeowners routinely enjoy.
The Upper Loop
Although this 3.5 mile loop is on the dirt roads of Red Mountain Ranch,
this simple hike is arguably the place where you will meet your neighbors.
For many, this is the simplest way to go for a quiet walk,
and along the way, meet other homeowners and their dogs.
The complete loop has 500' of elevation gain.
The clockwise direction showcases Whetstone Mountain, Paradise Divide, Gothic Mountain,
Crested Butte Mountain, Teocalli Peak, Castle Peak, Star Mountain, and Taylor Pass.
The counter direction spreads the elevation gain into a less steep uphill
and features views to the south of Round Mountain, Double top, and Fossil Ridge.
The Homeowners' Trail
The Homeowners' Trail begins about 100 yards before the beginning of the Upper Loop;
it is directly across the road from the driveway at 3000 Red Mountain Ranch Road.
It provides access into the National Forest along a well-worn trail
that traverses the lower reaches of Red Mountain toward Flat Top.
This excellent trail follows a path of least resistance and parallels the boundaries of
Red Mountain Ranch, The Reserve on the East River, and The Danni Ranch.
It involves only slight ups and downs and has excellent footing.
In the spring and early summer, expect to navigate a few creek crossings.
The Summit Trail
The Red Mountain Summit Trail begins on the west side of the Upper Loop,
0.9 mile from its intersection with Red Mountain Ranch Road.
The recently improved trail winds its way to the summit of Red Mountain at 11,670'.
A new spur has also been developed off the main trail.
Meadows and Forests
In the winter, homeowners are able ski or snowshoe right out their back doors,
if they are willing to break their own trails.
Homeowners will find that in the winter, the deadfall and rock moraine fields
are snow covered and easier to traverse than in the summer.
Many homeowners take advantage of backcountry skiing to get their 'turns'
without ever driving to the ski area.
Make sure you have the requisite backcountry skills and have taken avalanche safety courses.
Gravity works!
Reminders
For those of us who backcountry ski or snowmobile into the National Forest,
please remember to stay off private land.
If headed toward Whetstone, the Spann property should be avoided. Please use GPS.
In addition, there is no snowmobiling allowed on Red Mountain Ranch.
Snowmobiles can only be used to access public land.