Whetstone Vista
- 1.9 mi
- round trip
- 347 ft
- climb
- 9,291 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- Jun–Aug
- best months
Whetstone Vista is a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the Routt National Forest. Managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, this trail offers hikers an accessible option in the northern Colorado backcountry. The route follows an out-and-back format, allowing hikers to turn around at any point and retrace their steps. This structure makes it suitable for visitors with varying fitness levels and time constraints. The trail is situated within the Routt National Forest, an area characterized by diverse terrain and forest ecosystems typical of the Rocky Mountain region. The specific elevation gain for this hike is not currently documented, but the moderate distance suggests it's appropriate for hikers seeking a relatively short outing. Whetstone Vista provides access to scenic viewpoints within the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears area, known for its mountain vistas and outdoor recreation opportunities. For current conditions, trail updates, and any seasonal restrictions, visitors should contact the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District directly before planning their trip.
Go with a guide
- Mineral Belt Trail Guided WalkNexPM AI · $25 per person · 44 mi away
- Taylor Park Trading Post21 mi away
- upper upper trail #435.1Mountain biking0.5 mi
- Upper Upper LoopMountain biking0.8 mi
- Crested Butte RV ResortCamping0.9 mi
- The Joint BoulderRock climbing1.5 mi
- Battleship BoulderRock climbing1.5 mi
- Farris Creek Camping AreaCamping2.9 mi
Slate RiverCanoeingPhoto: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)3.9 mi
- Brush CreekCanoeing4.2 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
Upper Upper LoopHiking · ~3 min drivePhoto: Kyle Watson Photography, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
Crested Butte Mountain SummitHiking · ~4 min drivePhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Walrod Gulch Cutoff Trail #418Hiking · ~9 min drivePhoto: sean.bartell, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)- Carbon Trail 436Hiking · ~7 min drive
Budd TrailHiking · ~7 min drivePhoto: pixellaphoto, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)
Woods TrailHiking · ~6 min drivePhoto: Alissa Walker, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
WATERFALL CUTOFFHiking · ~10 min drivePhoto: sean.bartell, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
Teddy's TrailHiking · ~8 min drivePhoto: Alissa Walker, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
SnodgrassHiking · ~8 min drivePhoto: Kyle Watson Photography, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
Oh-Be-JoyfulHiking · ~11 min drivePhoto: supercraigtalbert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
Also worth it near here
DeliCross-country skiing · ~1 min drivePhoto: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
- Lake GrantLake fishing · ~2 min drive
- Battleship BoulderRock climbing · ~3 min drive
Tony'SSki touring · ~3 min drivePhoto: Nicholas Swanson http://nicholasswanson.com/ http://dribbble.com/NicholasSwanson, CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Best time to visit Whetstone Vista
Best months: June–August. 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.
Jan
26° / -7°
12 wet
Feb
29° / -2°
11 wet
Mar
38° / 7°
10 wet
Apr
47° / 19°
9 wet
May
58° / 28°
8 wet
Jun
70° / 34°
7 wet
Jul
76° / 40°
10 wet
Aug
74° / 38°
12 wet
Sep
66° / 31°
9 wet
Oct
54° / 22°
8 wet
Nov
39° / 9°
9 wet
Dec
27° / -4°
11 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Crested Butte, CO, 2.4 mi away at 8,867 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.