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    Montezuma Basin Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5-7h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    14.2 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    864 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead

    The Montezuma Basin Trail is an epic hike that attracts outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. Hike, bike, or drive the high-country road through scenic forests and alpine tundras up to the mountain basin. This amazing excursion is a high demand, high reward type of experience, and we cannot recommend it enough.

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    Route Description for Montezuma Basin Trail

    There is no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery along the Montezuma Basin Trail, as it exhibits sights of mesmerizing cascades, vibrant alpine tundras, and epic mountain views. This awesome adventure is great for those conditioning for a more technical ascent up a Colorado 14er, as it will tire you without over-exhausting you. Traveling at such high altitudes it is important to be acclimatized to the area before attempting this trek. Furthermore, when hiking in the summer months, be sure to check the forecast to mitigate the chances of getting caught in a nasty storm in the exposed basin. Note: off-roading vehicles are permitted along this route seasonally, so be mindful of passers-by.

    Embark on your adventure along the Montezuma Basin Trail from the trailhead off Cooper Creek Road. From here, track the Pearl Pass Road south along Castle Creek. Intersecting with several streams, you will eventually encounter an intersection. Here, keep right and you will be diverted up Forest Road 129.1-Montezuma. This section of the trek will become more intense as you ascend the increasingly rocky terrain through the tundra to the mountain basin.

    Let the sights of Malemute Peak motivate you to persist as you climb. Soon, you will reach the Montezuma Basin just southwest of Malemute Peak. From here, you will be rewarded with epic views of Conundrum and Castle Peaks in the west, and several old mine shafts along the slopes of Malemute. If you still have some gas left in the tank, continue along the route up to Conundrum Peak. If not, simply retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Montezuma Basin Trail Trailhead

    The Montezuma Basin Trail departs from the Pearl Pass Road Trailhead off Cooper Creek Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Dispersed Backcountry Campsites

    • When to do

      May-November

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Montezuma Basin Trail Elevation Graph

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    Montezuma Basin Trail Reviews

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