Taylor Pass

4.2/5 (21 reviews)
Aspen, Colorado (Gunnison County)
Last Updated: 08/07/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Trekking through two national forests, high in the rugged mountains of Gunnison County, Taylor Pass is an extremely fun and scenic route between Taylor Park and Aspen. Known for it's spectacular fall colors, this 4x4 off-road trail provides amazing high alpine views and will entertain everyone from the first timer, to the extreme off road enthusiast. One unique feature of this trail, which is seldom seen in any other Colorado trail, is the half mile trek in the creek on the south side of the pass. Taylor Pass was once the main supply route from Buena Vista into the mining camps around Ashcroft, originally known as Castle Forks. Once Independence Pass was created, populations in Ashcroft plunged from 2,500 in 1883, to just 2 by 1900.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.2/5 (21)
4800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/10/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great trail coming from Buena Vista. There were road construction delay signs for the week but all we saw was equipment. No work being done and we passed no issues. Narrow trail through the trees. Boulder hill and the creek were fun! And the views at the top were beyond amazing! I need to come back to complete Pearl pass along with this.
6550
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/03/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The trail immediately challenges you with the rocks, many of which are embedded in the middle of the trail. Line choices were important, even with decent lines I still scraped in some areas. The creek got pretty narrow in some spots with large rocks to roll over. Climbing out of the creek was moderately technical and required a spotter in the beginning. Once you arrive at the summit, it's a bumpy but picturesque decent into the valley. Overall a great challenging trail to cut your teeth on, especially if your rig is that of the overland variety.
Open
Visited: 09/03/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We ran this with the club. Still a challenging boulder trail the whole way up. Lots of traffic on the Taylor Park side and no traffic on the Aspen side.
Official Crew
30300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/07/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Clear day on Taylor Pass. Very few people or vehicles. Easy trip up and over to Pearl Pass.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/30/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

This trail is awesome. A short 6 miles from Taylor Park to the pass, but the fun never ends. It’s a challenging trail, especially for a fully loaded overland rig. Shorter wheelbase is better, and 33’s or greater are almost required. Lots of rock gardens and an awesome creek section leading into the one major obstacle. We had 2 vehicles needing to be winched through or over the rocks, and one lost a valve stem and we had to do a tire change on trail. Everyone that had to wait for us was gracious and patient, thankfully. All in all, a great day!!

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