Snowmass Creek Trailhead

Elk Mountains

Road Difficulty

1 2WD, easy dirt

Location8,400 feet
39.20016, -106.99414

Driving Directions

From Glenwood Springs, drive approx. 27 miles south on CO 82 to the small town of Snowmass. Turn right on the Snowmass Creek road and begin measuring mileage. Drive 1.7 miles and turn left to continue on Snowmass Creek road. The road turns to dirt at 7 miles. At 10.7 miles, turn left and cross a bridge over Snowmass Creek. At 10.9 miles, turn right at another junction and continue to the trailhead at the end of the road (11.3 miles).

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.

Trailhead Status Updates

Most Recent Update 8/15/2026:

Big things are happening at the Snowmass Creek Trailhead. Starting August 17 (next week!), we are breaking ground on a trailhead and parking upgrade. Know before you go! ⚬ Parking will be limited from August 17 through November. ⚬ Vehicles parked illegally, including along the access road, are subject to ticketing and/or towing. We know it's tempting, but it's not safe for hikers, ho...

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Winter Access

Usually can drive to within a mile of the trailhead.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees

Parking: 10-12 vehicles max
Camping: No camping in the area. Most people pack in to Snowmass Lake.
Restrooms: No
Fees: No

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