Banana Peel

Jefferson, Colorado (Park County)

Last Updated: 03/04/2021
3.5 / 5 ( 2 reviews )
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Status:
Seasonal Closure
Typically Open: 06/15 - 12/31
Length: 1.53 miles
Highest Elevation: 10878 feet
Duration: About 15 minutes
Shape of Trail: Connector
Best Direction to Travel: N/A
Nearest Town: Jefferson
Nearest Town w/ Services: Fairplay
Official Road Name: 853A
Management Agency: Pike National Forest
District: South Park Ranger District

Highlights

Highlight: Banana Peel
Banana Peel is a short trail connecting Topaz Mountain with Bonis Creek in the hills west of Lost Park near Jefferson, Colorado. It can be used as an alternate exit or entrance from the Topaz Mountain trail or can be combined with Bonis Creek and a section of Topaz Mountain to make a pleasant little loop. The route is mostly in the trees with occasional open areas where you are treated to beautiful views of the Lost Creek Wilderness Area across the valley.

Video

Route Information

Technical Rating

( MODERATE )

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Waypoints

1. Trailhead (0 mi)
Turn left off of Topaz Mountain and go northeast on 853A to begin the trail. If you are coming north on Topaz Mountain from Bonis Creek, as in the photos, go straight onto 853A where Topaz Mountain makes a left turn to go west.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting Point: Fairplay or Bailey

**From Fairplay:** From the intersection of Colorado Highway 9 and US Highway 285, take Highway 285 north/east 17.5 miles over Red Hill Pass and past the towns of Como and Jefferson to Lost Park Road (Park County Road 56). Turn right and go east/southeast on Lost Park Road 13.6 miles to Waypoint 9. Turn right onto Topaz Mountain (446). Take Topaz Mountain 5.4 miles to Waypoint 6. Turn left onto Banana Peel (853A). **From Bailey** From the Conoco station at Main Street and US Highway 285, take Highway 285 south/west 21.8 miles through the towns of Shawnee and Grant and over Kenosha Pass to Lost Park Road (Park County Road 56). Turn left and go east/southeast on Lost Park Road 13.6 miles to Waypoint 9. Turn right onto Topaz Mountain (446). Take Topaz Mountain 5.4 miles to Waypoint 6. Turn left onto Banana Peel (853A). Please note: at the time of this writing the store and gas station in Jefferson has closed. You will need to get fuel and supplies in either Bailey or Fairplay. There are no services in Shawnee, Grant, Como or Jefferson.

Camping

Dispersed

Land Use Issues

This area is part of Pike-San Isabel National Forest, and as such is part of the 2011 Lawsuit where a coalition of conservation and recreation groups are suing the U.S. Forest Service over what they say is the illegal addition of 500 miles of motorized roads and trails. A settlement was reached in late 2015 that is requiring the U.S. Forest Service to re-evaluate the roads and create a new travel management plan. Over the next year, 30 roads will be partially or completely closed while this evaluation takes place over the next 5 years. It is imperative that the OHV community let's their voices be heard on this issue. If we do nothing, those 500 miles will be shutdown. Contact the local ranger districts and let them know why the area is important to you and the history you have there. Media Coverage On going Forest Service information,

Trail Reviews (5)

Questions & Answers (1)

Q: When does this trail typically open?
–Ryan Boudreau (05/24/2018)
–Bill Andrews (05/26/2018)

Writer Information

Bill Andrews

Mapping Crew - Colorado
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Bill is an off-road enthusiast with nearly 30 years of 'wheeling experience. At one time he had a streak of about 20 years of 4-wheeling at least once a month. He likes anything from easy, dirt roads to difficult trails but stops short of extreme. Over the years he has traveled over 700 different trails, mostly in Colorado and Utah. He loves finding and exploring new areas and sharing his knowledge with others. He has been the coordinator of Calvary 4-Wheelers for many years.
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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