Richmond - #250

Richmond Trailhead

IRONTON TRAILHEAD:
The trailhead is in the southern portion of Ironton Park on the right side of Highway 550 as you head toward Red Mountain Pass. It is before the first switchback above Ironton Park. Parking is limited near the trailhead, so be sure you are completely off the highway.

ATTRACTIONS AND FEATURES:
The Richmond Trail begins in the south part of Ironton Park, ascends to a ridge, and then drops down into Imogene Basin. More details forthcoming.

On the trail Falls near timberline

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Ridge Stock Driveway - #233

A trail interection on the Ridge Stock

Another sign post

TRAILHEAD:
The Ridge Stock Driveway Trail begins in the American Flats at the junction of the Horsethief and Bear Creek trails near the base of Wild Horse Peak.

ATTRACTIONS AND FEATURES:
The trail continues east across the American Flats to American Lake at 1 mile. About 0.75 mile further on there is a beautiful place to camp by an inviting lake nestled in the trees about a half mile off to the left. At 2.9 miles the trail exits the Uncompahgre Wilderness area (marked by an old sign) for a short distance as it heads northeast above the North Fork Hensen Creek. The trail crosses one creek and then another larger one (Mary Alice Creek) shortly before reentering the Wilderness area. In that area it connects with the Wetterhorn Basin (rock cairn) and Middle Canyon trails. This is a good place to turn around, but beyond are the Wetterhorn Peak, Matterhorn and East Fork of the Cimarron trails. Further east, outside our map area, the Ridge Stock junctions with the El Paso Creek Trail, and the Uncompahgre Peak Trail also departs from the Ridge Stock. Beautiful views of the high country from above timberline is seen all along the trail.

A panarama of the American Flats. Left to right:
Wild Horse; Coxcomb (sloping flat top), in far center; Wetterhorn (tall peak);
Matterhorn (low cone-type peak); and Uncompahgre

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Silvershield - #199

Work crew at the Silvershield Overlook

Gold Hill from the
Memorial Overlook

Gold Hill from
Further up the Trail
Photo by Steve Caldwell

Work crew lunch break

Work crew on the Silvershield

TRAILHEAD:
From Main Street inOuray, take 7th Avenue west across the Uncompahgre River; turn right on the River Road. The trailhead is 1.2 miles north, just south of the Silvershield Mill. The trail starts up the hill to the west of the new subdivision.

ATTRACTIONS AND FEATURES:
This trail provides a scenic connection with the Twin Peaks and Oak Creek trails above Ouray. Round trip to the Twin Peaks Trail junction and overlook is 4.6 miles with an altitude gain of 1,680 feet. The start is fairly steep, but after 0.3 mile you come to an overlook and memorial with an imposing view of numerous old mines across the valley. The trail ascends into the forest, reaching a junction with the Oak Creek Trail at 1.1 miles. Follow the left fork another 0.3 mile where the trail again gives good views across the valley. After passing Rock of Ages Mine, you will come out in the open at 2 miles. Straight ahead will be a grand view of Ouray, the Uncompahgre Gorge, and Cañon Creek. Pick up the trail along the cliffs and you will find the junction with The Twin Peaks Trail at 2.3 miles.

From this junction, you can take a pleasant loop with varied scenery southward to Oak Street, near Box Cañon. A return north along the river completes a 6.2 mile round trip.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Parts of the trail are close to steep cliffs which demand caution. Keep children close to you so they do not run ahead into danger.

Chain sawing a log across the trail The trail is cleared

Big Horn Sheep on the Trail

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