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The Fraser Experimental Forest area has several trails which can be cross-country skied in winter. One especially good trip is the loop trail, letting you return by a different route. The total trip is about 7 miles of fairly flat terrain in a forested area. This is a good area for beginners. How to get there:The Fraser Experimental Forest area is located northwest of the Winter Park Ski Area. Take I-70 west through Idaho Springs, when you reach the intersection where US 40 leaves the Interstate, take US 40. Travel through Empire, then over Berthoud Pass. Drive past the Winter Park Ski Area and on into Fraser. In town turn west onto Eisenhower Drive and continue across the railroad tracks. Proceed another long block west then turn left onto the Fraser Experimental Forest Road, CR73, marked by a sign. Bend right after two blocks and stay on the main road to a large parking area near the Fraser Experimental Station, a total of 4.7 miles from US 40. Four trails take off from the parking area. Take the one that goes south down the valley and follows St. Louis Creek, noted on the map as CR73. This is a flat area and there are places to practice downhill and turns. Continue on this road for about two miles. You will come across a water diversion facility that feeds the Moffat Tunnel. The Moffat Tunnel is actually two tunnels, one for the famous train and another for the not-so-famous water. Continue past this area for another mile to the Byers Creek Campground. Just beyond the campground, the loop begins. A road intersection will appear on the right, this is FSR111. Take it, this is the loop trail. Follow it for a mile or so in the reverse direction, it will eventually turn west into the forest, following a gradual incline. Soon after crossing West St. Louis Creek, there will be a trail to our right. FS111 continues west to Bottle Pass, there is a sign. Follow the trail to your right; the last 2 miles after the hairpin turn is downhill and make an easy, end-of-the-day run. You will be at the Forest Experimental Station and your vehicles. Note: This is a 7-mile trip, just perfect for beginners who have good endurance. Plan on about 5 hours for the full loop, this allows some time for lunch.
Created on: 2024-09-07 22:45:37
Last edited by: rhall290472 On: 2024-10-03 13:22:34