Blair Mountain

4.7/5 (23 reviews)
Blair Mountain is situated in the White River National Forest, but potentially more known by the region's moniker as the "Flat Tops". Once you find yourself at one of the highest points in this mountainous region of Colorado, you will understand the name. It is comprised of lots of high altitude pla...Read More
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Highlights of Blair Mountain

Camping Category IconCamping
Forest Category IconForest
Mud Category IconMud
Overland Category IconOverland
Rock Category IconRock
Scenic Category IconScenic
Water Category IconWater
Highest Elevation
11456 ft
Shape of Trail
Straight Through
Typically Open
05/21 - 11/22
Best Direction
West
Official Trail Name
601.1, 601.2E
Nearest Town
Glenwood Springs
Nearest Services
Glenwood Springs
Management Agency
White River National Forest
District
Rifle Ranger District

Overview

Blair Mountain is situated in the White River National Forest, but potentially more known by the region's moniker as the "Flat Tops". Once you find yourself at one of the highest points in this mountainous region of Colorado, you will understand the name. It is comprised of lots of high altitude plateaus, mesas, rolling hills/valleys, and meadows. Its unique geological makeup of being relatively flat at a high altitude allows for an abundance of water retention. There are numerous lakes, ponds, creeks, and marshes along Blair Mountain. Of course with lots of water comes lots of vegetation. This area might be one of the most impressive wildflower displays Colorado has to offer. The actual trail lies on National Forest land that outskirts the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and overlooks the 235,000-acre parcel of land only accessible by foot. In 1919, Arthur Carhart was sent to the area to survey it as a site for summer homes. He was so struck by the landscape that he informed his superiors the land should be set aside, protected, and preserved. He spoke so passionately about the subject that he and the area are credited with sparking the ideas fundamental to the Wilderness Act of 1964. It is for this reason the Flat Tops region is known as “the Cradle of Wilderness”. This track is a technical overlander's dream trail. Its remote location, natural beauty, and plentiful camping/fishing/hiking opportunities will make you want to come back over and over again. Forest Roads jut out in almost every direction, fostering the potential for exploration to be as much or as little as you like. Once you set your wheels on the trail and pitch your tent atop a ridge or by a pristine mountain lake, you may never want to leave.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
39 Waypoints
119 Trail Photos
2 Trail Concerns
23 Community Reviews
1 Video
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