Colorado · Cross-country skiing · Near Clifton

Overlook

OverlookPhoto: KimonBerlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
1.8 mi
distance
43 ft
climb
10,832 ft
high point
Moderate
difficulty
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Overlook open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name Overlook, 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.

Overlook is a cross-country ski route in Colorado, within the Grand Valley Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The Forest Service manages the land. The run covers about 1.8 miles, with a moderate climb of 43 feet from a low point of 10,784 feet to a high of 10,832 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.9 miles, with a 5% grade. The ski area sits close to two other short hikes, Dog Loop and Tower, each about 0.1 mile away. For overnight stays, Island Lake Campground is about a mile off and Little Bear Campground about 1.7 miles away. The most comfortable months for a visit are July and August, when typical averages from a nearby weather station run from highs of 68°F with lows around 42°F to highs of 64°F with lows near 40°F. That station sits roughly 1,000 feet lower, so temperatures on the ski route run cooler. Winter is harsh, with typical January highs around 26°F and lows near 6°F.

Around this trail

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

    Island Lake Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 1.0 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Slopeside cafe

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 7 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY-SA 3.0 (commons)

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 Overlook

    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, 8.7 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.

Keep exploring — more snow worth the drive

Scales GladePhoto: Kimon Berlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Scales Glade

~1 min drive

1.11-mile glade ski trail in Colorado with 144 ft of elevation gain.

Outer LimitsPhoto: Scott Loarie, CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Outer Limits

~2 min drive

1.22-mile ski trail in Colorado with 95 ft of elevation gain.

Summit TrailPhoto: KimonBerlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Summit Trail

~3 min drive

Summit Trail is a 1.48-mile route in Colorado with 206 feet of elevation gain.

Rhubarb TrailPhoto: NASA, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

Rhubarb Trail

~1h 10m drive

Rhubarb Trail is a 1.47-mile route in Colorado with 310 feet of elevation gain.

Powderhorn Ski AreaPhoto: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Powderhorn Ski Area

~12 min drive

Powderhorn Ski Area in Colorado has 5 lifts and 49 runs with 1,653 ft of vertical drop.

SKI

Shark Park

~48 min drive

Short, beginner-friendly Colorado ski route ideal for quick winter outings.

Forest Service Road 118Photo: Kimon Berlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Forest Service Road 118

~2 min drive

0.49-mile trail with 81 ft gain in Colorado.

Vista RidgePhoto: KimonBerlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Vista Ridge

~3 min drive

1.46-mile cross-country ski trail on Vista Ridge in Colorado with 127 ft of elevation gain.

SKI

Sp Tie in - Stevens Gulch Both

~43 min drive

26.24-mile cross-country ski trail in Colorado with 1,048 ft gain.

Tower TrailPhoto: NASA, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

Tower Trail

~1h 11m drive

2.46-mile route in Colorado with 304 ft of elevation gain.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors