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Snowmass Creek Trailhead

Status Updates

  CAMPING RESERVATION REQUIRED
A reservation is now required to camp at Snowmass Lake and permits are very limited in summer. This means if you cannot reserve a camp spot, you may have to either day hike Snowmass (long day) or find a dispersed camp outside of the Snowmass Lake Permit Zone, which would be approx. 2 miles below the lake, near the log jam. Check for permits at recreation.gov and select the permit zone that includes Snowmass Lake.
  
6/27/2020
Posted On: 6/29/2020 By: hogantheepic
Info: This trailhead is totally open and accessible to pretty much any 2wd regular clearance car.
 
5/26/2020
Posted On: 5/26/2020 By: Posthole Pete
Info: Trailhead is bone dry. Summer conditions up till about 10,500. Log jam is in great shape. Looked like there were 3 or 4 spots to camp by snowmass lake but we opted for a dryer, lower campsite right off the first switchback after the log jam.
 
5/15/2018
Posted On: 5/15/2018 By: Thevirtualsherpa
Info: TH is 100% snow free and accessible with any vehicle.
 
5/27/2017
Posted On: 5/29/2017 By: globreal
Info: The TH is totally clear and easily accessible. The snow level is right at 10,000'. You'll want snow shoes or skis above the log jam/switch backs above the ponds if going up to Snowmass Lake. There is still 3-5' of snow at the lake.
 
8/21/2016
Posted On: 8/22/2016 By: gabsimonelouise
Info: Some large puddles but easily manageable for 2WD. Be sure you drive all the way to the end of the road as it mentions in the trailhead directions (there's a large parking lot, an entrance to a ranch, and the TH you want for Snowmass Lake). There is a different TH about a quarter-mile from that parking lot, and we almost got off on the wrong foot there.
 
2
5/17/2016
Posted On: 5/20/2016 By: trsippel
Info: Clear all the way to the trailhead from both directions.
 
5/11/2016
Posted On: 5/13/2016 By: TakeMeToYourSummit
Info: We approached the TH from Divide Road (Snowmass Village), the upper section of Divide is a little muddy & snow free. The lower section (from Old Snowmass) is almost certainly snow free due to the lower elevation & higher volume of traffic. A few snow patches were encountered AFTER the T (near the Snowmass Creek Bridge) in the road. My 4Runner did just fine to clear these - the melting is happening fast low, they should be entirely gone any day now.

I have a little beta on the start of the trail:
We hiked the first 2 miles of the trail (recon on the stream crossing to the West Snowmass Creek drainage). Patchy snow & a couple of downed trees up to that point. I would guess flotation would be needed for quite some time if your goal is Snowmass Lake or higher. Stay safe & have fun!

pic1 - A good idea of the snow levels on the start of the trail.
pic2 - James (for size comparison) next to the first notable downed tree.
(shortly after you pass the rock in pic1)
pic3 - Snow levels as you approach gate 2.
pic4 - Looking back at another downed tree. (Just a bit after gate 2)
 
2
12/29/2015
Posted On: 1/2/2016 By: Yikes
Info: Parking at the bridge (for about 5-10 cars), . Road was snowpacked, but very easy to drive (much easier, wider and less steep than Capitol Creek). I would guess the road would be quickly plowed after a snow storm due to all of the mansions along the road. My GPS read 2/3 mile to the summer trailhead.
 
7/12/2014
Posted On: 7/13/2014 By: mspalding
Info: This is an easy drive even in the lowest clearance 2wd. But keep your directions as it is easy to take the wrong turn on the way back; especially in the dark.
 
1
6/10/2014
Posted On: 6/10/2014 By: BillMiddlebrook
Info: Open and dry.
 
3
5/19/2012
Posted On: 5/25/2012 By: _NW_
Info: All clear the whole way to the trail head.
 
1/2/2012
Posted On: 1/6/2012 By: Dancesatmoonrise
Info: Snowpacked but driveable to the summer TH.
 
5/28/2011
Posted On: 5/31/2011 By: Carl
Info: Trailhead is easily accessible. Was able to make it in a very low clearance sedan by going slow the last 1/4 mile. This trailhead is also accessible from the Snowmass ski area but the road is slightly rougher.
 
8/16/2010
Posted On: 8/16/2010 By: hike_4ever
Info: Limited parking space at weekend, had to park alone the road to TH.
 
5/30/2010
Posted On: 5/31/2010 By: sevenvii
Info: Trailhead is completely clear and void of snow.