Lead King Basin

The following information is provided by the U.S. Forest Service

LEAD KING BASIN LOOP ROAD #315 & #314

ATTRACTIONS/CONSIDERATIONS: This road passes very close to the boundary of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and affords some spectacular views of mountains, meadows and canyons. Lead King Basin is covered with a great variety of flowers throughout the Summer. The majority of the flowers are usually in bloom in August, and the show is quite colorful and impressive. There are three trail heads into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness located along this road. Use caution when driving the old bridge over the Crystal River between Crystal and Lead King Basin (it is located onprivate land). The famous, historical Crystal Mill is located along this road and offers great photo opportunities along the Crystal River.

ACCESS: From Carbondale travel south on Colorado Highway 133 for 22 miles to the Marble turn-off and vere left. Go east on the Marble road #314, pass through Marble, and drive past Beaver Lake. The 4WD section begins just past the Gold Pan Gallery. The road begins to head uphill and passes over shale rock. About 1 mile outside of Marble there is a fork in the road; take the left fork onto road #315. This road immediately heads uphill. After about 8 miles, road #315 loops into road #314 at Crystal City. To continue the loop drive, stay on #314 for approximately 5 miles back to Marble.

NARRATIVE: The segment from Marble along #315 to Lead King Basin should not be travelled when it is wet! The road is built on slick shale and slopes towards the valley bottom. 4WD is required. From Lead King to Crystal City the road is very narrow and extremely rocky. There is a very steep drop-off into the Crystal River Canyon. There are few pull-offs on this road and drivers may be required to back-up for considerable distances when another vehicle is met. A high clearance 4WD vehicle is required for this segment.

ETHICS/REGULATIONS: Motorized vehicles are not allowed within adjacent Wilderness Areas. Before you go out, check into available routes, their conditions, ownership of land, posted areas,regulations that apply and the following rules: * Be sure your machine is as quiet as possible. * Avoid wetlands, streams, and steep hills where your tracks may cause damage.* Sanitation - Bury human waste 100 feet from water and 6 inches in the soil. * Avoid running over young trees, shrubs and grasses--Stay on established routes!* Ford streams at designated sites only.

PACK IT IN—PACK IT OUT!! LEAVE NO TRACE!! Length: 13 miles one-way (21 km); Difficulty: More Difficult Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy Beginning Elevation: 7,956 feet (2425 m)

Ending Elevation: 7,956 feet (2425 m)

USGS Map(s): Marble, Snowmass Mountain

4WD

Sopris Ranger District 620 Main Street Carbondale, CO 81623

(970) 963-2266—Voice (970) 963-1012—Fax United States Department of Agriculture

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