Ironedge Trail - Glenwood Springs, CO

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Ironedge Trail


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Ironedge Trail begins at the trailhead for Lake Charles, at the Fulford Cave Campground. It leads through a gate and along an old jeep road. Take a right onto the Ironedge Trail. Within 1/4 mile visitors will see some cabins. Stay to the right to follow the trail. Visitors will cross two bridges and head through a small meadow.

The trail is easy to find as you walk through thick stands of spruce, fir and aspen up a moderate incline. After one mile it becomes steep in places with switchbacks and then, after 3/4 mile, it follows an old logging road up. This road intersects with another logging road. Take a left, heading east, and be sure to look for rock cairns marking the trail. Take a right off the road at a cairn and walk on the trail again. The trail still ascends up this logged area for about one mile and comes out in a beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers and presents spectacular views of the Elk Range and Frying Pan drainage.

The trail ascends through spruce/fir at a steep pitch for 1/2 mile. Watch for old mining shafts and an old cabin. The trail opens up as visitors reach the tree line and for 1 mile visitors will be walking through Krummholz, an area where the plant growth is stunted due to the high elevation. Follow the rock cairns as the trail skirts around a hill and then begins to descend 2 1/1 miles to Lake Charles, through meadows, forests and rocky areas.

This 7.0 mile trail has a beginning elevation of 9,400 feet and an ending elevation of 11,440 feet. This trail has been rated as "more difficult".

Facilities: The Fulford Cave Campground is located nearby.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to use Ironedge Trail.

Best Time To Visit: Ironedge Trail is open June through September.

Fees: There are no fees associated with this trail.

Accessibility: This trail is not handicap accessible.

Rules: This trail is located within the White River National Forest; forest regulations apply.

Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas.

Directions: To reach Ironedge Trail from Glenwood Springs, travel east on Interstate 70 to Eagle. From Eagle, follow Brush Creek Road south. At 10 miles the road will fork. Take the left fork onto East Brush Creek Road, Forest Road 415. Drive 6 miles, passing Yeoman Park Campground, to the next main intersection. Go straight ahead another mile to Fulford Cave Campground. Park in the day use lot. This trail starts from the Lake Charles Trailhead.

Attractions Near
Ironedge Trail

Fulford Cave Campground
White River National Forest

Address

White River National Forest

900 Grand Avenue

PO Box 948

Glenwood Springs, Colorado 82331

Phone
General: (970) 945-2521
TTY: (970) 945-3255

Website

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