Colorado Trails

Owl Mountain

5/5 (7 reviews)

Walden, Colorado (Jackson County)

Last Updated: 06/15/2019

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Trail Information

Highlights

Owl Mountain is located to the south of Gould, Colorado, an area of the state famously known for its moose population. While traveling along in the area, keep an eye out for the giant creature as their population is abundant and this easy off-road trek to the top of Owl Mountain will offer the opportunity to see them. The view of the Michigan River Valley from the top is worthy of a photo. Don't forget your camera.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Tim Palmer

Official Crew

Trail Navigation

This is a typical mountain road consisting of dirt and granite rock. There are moderate climbs and narrow spots through the trees. There are no obstacles along this route and a stock 4WD vehicle is well suited. The trail is heavily forested with dead trees and down-fall across the road throughout the year. It is recommended that you have gear with you for tree removal while travelling in the area.

1. Owl Mountain Trailhead (0 mi)

Owl Mountain - Waypoint 1: Owl Mountain Trailhead

You can miss the trailhead if you are not paying attention as it is a little hidden. The trail heads off to the west from Jackson County Road 21. The road is bumpy from the start.

2. Water Bog (0.3 mi)

The trail makes a sharp left turn and you will find a large water bog that sits on the trail. It looks scary, but it's usually about 8-12 inches deep and has a solid bottom. Drive right down the center of the water to continue the trail.

3. Rocky Switchback (2 mi)

Owl Mountain - Waypoint 3: Rocky Switchback

It's not a difficult switchback, but it is an indication that you a gaining in elevation fairly quickly. If you peer through the trees here, you will notice that you are beginning to rise out of the Michigan River valley.

4. Valley View (4.1 mi)

By now you have ascended enough that as the forest opens up, you can begin to view the valley below. As you proceed along the trail from here, you will find significantly more down fall and the evidence of how often downed trees are cut to keep the road open. Cutting trees that have fallen across the road, large or small, is common on this trail and a possibly necessary to complete the trail.

5. USFS 790 and USFS 791 Intersection (5.4 mi)

Owl Mountain - Waypoint 5: USFS 790 and USFS 791 Intersection

Continue straight. USFS 790 intersects here from the north. USFS 790 is a connecting road between Owl Mountain and USFS 792. This route is an alternative exit from the mountain after reaching the summit. If you choose to take this way off of the mountain, you will find USFS 790 less rocky than the Owl Mountain Road. The evidence of timber downfall near the top of Owl Mountain continues.

6. Owl Mountain Summit (5.7 mi)

Owl Mountain - Waypoint 6: Owl Mountain Summit

The final 100 yards to the summit is a steep climb on a loose rock surface. Although intimidating, the climb is easily accomplished. There is enough room on the summit for only a vehicle or two to park as the space is limited. Here you have an unobstructed view of the Never Summer Mountains off to the east. This Never Summer Range is part of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trail Reviews

5/5 (7 reviews)

Scott

2100

Status: Partially Open

Visited: 06/13/2022

Trail was blocked by numerous fallen trees near waypoint 3 (and my chainsaw was a hundred miles away, oops)

Jeffery Meyer

200

Status: Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 08/24/2021

Great trail! Rocky, a little muddy, loose gravel climbs, majestic views...what more could you ask for? Had to clear a few trees along the way. Pretty obvious nobody had been that way for a while.

Trail Review: Owl Mountain - Jeffery Meyer

Tanner Mitchell

2600

Status: Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 07/26/2020

Cleared a handful of fallen trees to make the trail passable for midsize 4x4s. Fun and scenic trail. Bog at WP 2 is dry. Ran early in the day to avoid as many UTV encounters as possible, although the few we did meet were very courteous.

Trail Review: Owl Mountain - Tanner Mitchell

Matt

5050

Status: Impassable

Visited: 07/14/2020

Ran Teller divide from 125 and soon after starting up Owl mountain road many trees have fallen and are blocking the trail early on. Didn’t spend any time trying to clear, hiked and then headed back out

Tim Palmer

Official Crew

38850

Status: Partially Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/15/2019

The lower half of the trail is passable without any difficulties. The water bog crossing at Waypoint 2 is deeper than normal because of this year’s late snow melt. Snow remain on the trail past Waypoint 4 and the trail is still impassable at Waypoints 5 and 6. Another few weeks of melting is necessary.

Owl Mountain

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Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Trail Navigation

1. Owl Mountain Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Water Bog (0.3 mi)

3. Rocky Switchback (2 mi)

4. Valley View (4.1 mi)

5. USFS 790 and USFS 791 Intersection (5.4 mi)

6. Owl Mountain Summit (5.7 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Tim Palmer

Owl Mountain

Trail Information

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Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

Concerns:

Summary:

Community Consensus

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Trail Navigation

1. Owl Mountain Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Water Bog (0.3 mi)

3. Rocky Switchback (2 mi)

4. Valley View (4.1 mi)

5. USFS 790 and USFS 791 Intersection (5.4 mi)

6. Owl Mountain Summit (5.7 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Tim Palmer

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