Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Redstone, Colorado
Redstone sits at the narrow end of the Crystal River valley, hemmed in by steep canyon walls and the Raggeds Wilderness to the west, which means hiking here tends to go up fast and reward you with real solitude.
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Redstone sits at the narrow end of the Crystal River valley, hemmed in by steep canyon walls and the Raggeds Wilderness to the west, which means hiking here tends to go up fast and reward you with real solitude. The trail network fans out from town into several distinct drainages: Coal Basin to the north, where old mining roads like Coal Basin Road and Coal Basin Spur Road give you a gentler grade into high meadows; the Thompson Creek corridor, with options ranging from the South Thompson Creek Road to the more rugged Middle Thompson Creek Trail and the Braderich/S Thompson connector; and the Dutch Creek drainage, home to Dutch Creek Trail, Flying Dutch Boy, and the aptly named Bear Bait. East Creek Trail and Lily Lake Trail round out the more accessible routes closer to the valley floor. With 53 active listings in the area, there is genuine variety here for hikers of different fitness levels, though the elevation gain on most routes above the valley is significant. Late June through early October is the reliable window, with July and August offering the best trail conditions but also the most afternoon thunderstorm activity. If you are new to the area, Coal Basin Road is a logical first outing because it gives you a read on how your legs handle the altitude before you commit to something steeper.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Redstone?
Late June through early October covers the main season, with the sweet spot being mid-July through mid-September when snow is mostly gone from upper routes and trails have dried out. Spring snowmelt can keep higher roads like Coal Basin Road and Huntsman Ridge Road muddy and soft well into June. By late October, early snow can close upper terrain without much warning.
What time of day should I start a hike here?
Start early, ideally on the trail by 7 or 8 a.m. The Crystal River valley builds afternoon thunderstorms reliably in July and August, and most of the routes above the valley floor leave you exposed on ridgelines or open roads with limited shelter. Plan to be descending by early afternoon on any route that takes you above treeline or onto open terrain like Ute Point Vista or Bear Ridge Trail.
How difficult are the hikes near Redstone?
The range is genuine. Road-based routes like South Thompson Creek Road, Parsnip Flat Road, and Coal Basin Road are manageable for most hikers with reasonable fitness, though the elevation gain is still real given the valley starts around 7,000 feet. Trails like Bear Ridge Trail, Flying Dutch Boy, and the Braderich/S Thompson connector are more demanding and require solid footing and comfort with route-finding. Lily Lake Trail and East Creek Trail sit in the moderate middle ground.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike in this area?
Most of the routes listed here cross National Forest land managed by the White River National Forest, which does not currently require a day-use permit for general hiking. Some trailheads may have a fee for parking. If you are heading into the Raggeds Wilderness via any of the connecting trails, standard wilderness regulations apply, including group size limits, so check current White River National Forest guidelines before you go.
What gear should I bring for a day hike out of Redstone?
Rain gear is non-negotiable in summer given the afternoon storm pattern. Trekking poles are worth it on routes like Bear Ridge Trail or Flying Dutch Boy where the terrain is uneven and descents are steep. The valley sits above 7,000 feet and most destinations push well higher, so even fit hikers from lower elevations should carry more water than they think they need and plan for a slower pace on the first day. Bear activity is real in this drainage system, so a canister or bear spray is worth considering on longer routes.
