Colorado · Cross-country skiing · Near Clifton

Outer Limits

Outer LimitsPhoto: Scott Loarie, CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
1.2 mi
distance
30 ft
climb
10,849 ft
high point
Moderate
difficulty
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Outer Limits open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name Outer Limits, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Outer Limits is a cross-country skiing route on Forest Service land in Colorado's Grand Valley Ranger District, part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The outing covers about 1.2 miles and rises about 30 feet from a starting point of roughly 10,840 feet, with the high point at about 10,849 feet. The route is rated moderate, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.25 miles in, where the grade reaches about 4%. The most comfortable months for skiing are typically winter. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show January highs around 26°F and lows near 6°F. That station sits several hundred feet lower than the route, so expect conditions on the trail to run cooler. Summer is milder, with July highs around 68°F and lows near 42°F. Several other outdoor spots sit close by. The County Line Ski Outer Limits mountain bike route is about 0.3 miles away, and the Grand Mesa National Scenic & Historic Byway is about 0.4 miles off. Island Lake Campground and Little Bear Campground are both within a mile, making them good bases for an overnight stay.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Island Lake Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 0.6 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Slopeside cafe

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 8 mi
  • If it rains

    Blue Pig

    Gallery

    On your way back · 19 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Clifton

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Outer Limits

    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

      26° / 6°

    2. Feb

      27° / 4°

    3. Mar

      34° / 12°

    4. Apr

      40° / 17°

    5. May

      49° / 27°

    6. Jun

      62° / 37°

    7. Jul

      68° / 42°

    8. Aug

      64° / 40°

    9. Sep

      57° / 34°

    10. Oct

      45° / 24°

    11. Nov

      34° / 14°

    12. Dec

      26° / 5°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bonham Rsvr, CO, 7.3 mi away at 9,852 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors