Yule Pass Trailhead

About

Yule Pass Trailhead, located near Carbondale on the Western Slope of Colorado, serves as a moderate hiking destination in the Elk Mountains. The trail reaches an elevation of 11,290 feet and typically requires about two hours to complete. Accessible from September through November, the site offers parking and allows pets. The route follows old railroad grades and explorer paths, crossing diverse landscapes that include wildflower meadows and alpine terrain. While conditions are generally dry in the fall, snow is possible at higher elevations. The trailhead provides scenic views and connects to broader wilderness areas, including the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. It is situated within the White River National Forest and serves as a starting point for routes extending toward Marble and the Raggeds Wilderness.