Colorado · Hiking

Half Nelson

2.0 mi
round trip
38 ft
climb
8,170 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Half Nelson open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Half Nelson is an easy, short out-and-back hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Holy Cross Ranger District. The trail is about 2 miles long, with a low point of 7,884 feet and a high of 8,170 feet, and it gains about 38 feet of elevation. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. The route is natural-surfaced and allows both horses and bikes, so it works for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. The trailhead is at Grouse Creek Trailhead, and the trip is short enough to fit into a day of exploring the surrounding area. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Vail, at a similar elevation, show July highs around 77°F with lows near 42°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. Everkrisp is a hike about 0.4 miles away, and Grouse Lake, a fishing spot, is about 0.7 miles off. Climbers can head to Cemetery Block, about 1.4 miles away, and Halfmoon Campground is about 6.8 miles away for an overnight stay.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Half Nelson

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 7°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 9°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 17°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 24°

      9 wet

    5. May

      60° / 31°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 36°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      77° / 42°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 41°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 34°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      54° / 25°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 15°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      28° / 7°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Vail, CO, 5.6 mi away at 8,304 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.