Copyright: - US Forest Service
Taylor Pass is one of many routes for four-wheel drive vehicles and motorcyles in the mountains surrounding Aspen
|
This is a popular high-altitude jeep route beginning at Express Creek Road. Because of the altitude snow is often present well into mid-July. From the top of Taylor Pass you can see Taylor Lake below and magnificent views of the Castle Creek Valley and surrounding peaks. Once at the pass, you are offered several choices of extending your trip by making a loop back to Aspen via Richmond Hill Road; or travel to Crested Butte along the Taylor River making a full day trip.The first 1/8 mile is fairly flat, the road soon crosses a bridge and begins to climb steeply. There are several private drives along the first mile, stay on the main road. In approximately 2 miles, there is a spur to the right, again follow the main road. The road becomes a little steeper and in another 1-3/4 miles begins a long steep uphill. The road crosses a bridge and is very steep the last mile.
Directions from Aspen: Drive west on Highway 82 from Aspen 1/2 mile. At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. Drive about 11 miles, just past Elk Mountain Lodge and before the ghost town of Ashcroft, on your left will be Express Creek Road.
Seasonal Information:
Normal Summer Season:
June through September
(NOTE: You may find snow on the road through Mid-July.)
.
Normal Winter Season:
November through April
(NOTE: This road is not maintained for vehicular traffic in the Winter and is used for recreation.)
.
|