Anthracite Pass Trail

Route Description for Anthracite Pass Trail

Hiking the Anthracite is a beautiful, but challenging, adventure that will take you through some rough and rugged terrain with steep inclines in places. Be sure to wear proper hiking boots with great support for this journey. Additionally, you should always bring bear spray and observe all best bear safety practices when hiking in this area.

Although parts of this hiking route are certainly on the tougher side, the stunning views of the surrounding Elk Mountains and the countless aspen trees are most definitely worth the effort. Upper portions of the trail will also see you traverse picturesque alpine meadows that are blanketed with wildflowers in the summer, making this an ideal route to take in the breathtaking landscape views of the Rockies.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will follow the raspberry Creek Trail as it heads to the south and begins immediately to climb uphill through the forest. As you work your way past the mature trees and surrounding wildlife, you will also cross over several streams flowing down the hillside. Navigation along this route is fairly easy, as there are few junctions in the trail and you will only need to keep left in order to reach the final destination of Anthracite Pass.

After 1.6 km of uphill hiking, you will come to the only junction along the route, where the Raspberry Creek Trail joins the Anthracite Pass Trail. Taking the path on the left, you will continue working your way uphill through the forest to the south, before breaking free of the tree cover. Here, you will keep straight across the meadow and enjoy beautifully scenic views of the surrounding alpine terrain, before arriving at Mud Gulch.

Once you have crossed over the gulch, you will continue uphill for a short distance and pass through a small stretch of woodland terrain, before arriving at Anthracite Pass. Here, you will enjoy some beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, or can take a detour if you like along a path leading west that will take you to the summit of Marble Point for an elevated view of the Elk Mountains. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, simply head back along the same route to return to the trailhead having completed the Anthracite Pass Trail.

Trail Highlights

Mount Daly

Situated in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Mount Daly has an elevation of 4,054 m and is the most prominent peak visible from the village of Snowmass. Often climbed alongside nearby Capitol Peak, Mount Daly and 11 other peaks are tied as the 339th tallest mountains in Colorado.

Insider Hints for Anthracite Pass Trail

• Wear proper hiking boots for this adventure.
• Bring bear spray and make plenty of noise along the trail to avoid an encounter.
• Time your hike for the fall season, when the colors will be most striking.