Upper Upper Loop Trail

Route Description for Upper Upper Loop Trail

If you are based in the town of Crested Butte and are looking for a fun hiking route that isn’t overly challenging, but still provides a great workout and scenic views of the surrounding landscape, then the Upper Upper Loop Trail will be a great option for you to explore the natural beauty of the Elk Mountains.

Setting out from the car park on the side of Hunter Hill Road, you will head to the southeast and traverse the lower slopes of crested Butte Mountain, passing through open meadows and stretches of forest along the way. Although there are some aspens that provide protection from the sun, a good portion of the route is exposed, so make sure to wear sunscreen.

After arriving at the charming shores of Grant Lake, take some time to rest and enjoy the views, before continuing along the trail to the east. Here, you will climb slightly further uphill through the forest, before descending the hillside to the terminus of the route at the edge of Brush Creek Road. From here, you will turn back along the trail to relive the views of Crested Butte and the surrounding valley, before arriving back at the trailhead where you started.