Colorado · Cross-country skiing

Ward Way

Ward WayPhoto: Scott Loarie, CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
0.2 mi
distance
42 ft
climb
10,185 ft
high point
Moderate
difficulty
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Ward Way open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Ward Way is a short cross-country ski route in Colorado's Grand Valley Ranger District, part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is about 0.17 miles long, with a low point of 10,134 feet and a high of 10,185 feet. The climb is modest, with a total gain of 42 feet over the course of the trip. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.09 miles, where the grade reaches 8 percent. Winter is the natural season for this trail, and the nearest weather station, about 6 miles away, records typical January averages of a high near 26°F and a low near 6°F. Summer is much milder, with July highs averaging around 68°F and lows near 42°F. Baron Lake is about 0.1 miles away and Ward Lake Campground is about 0.3 miles away. Cobbett Lake campground sits roughly 0.6 miles off, and Grand Mesa offers pier fishing at about 0.7 miles.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Ward Way

    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, 6 mi away at 9,852 ft. 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