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10/22/2026

Trail info you’ll want to know ⤵️

📌 Tips for Responsible Recreation:
🌎 Leave it better than you found it.
🥾 Stay on the trail.
🌲 Do not carve into trees or rocks.
⛺️ Camp on durable surfaces.
🐻 Respect wildlife & keep your distance.
🌻 Don’t disturb or pick wildflowers.
🚮 Pack out your trash & any trash you find.
😀 Be respectful to others.
⚠️ Follow local rules & regulations.
🎒 Bring the proper gear & stay safe.
⛈️ Always check current local weather.

📌 Save this trail:
📍 Mill-Castle Trail
🗓️ Date Visited: 10/15/2026
🚗 The road to the lower 2WD trailhead is dirt, but most vehicles should be fine. The second section of road up to the 4X4 trailhead requires good clearance and 4X4 especially if the ground is wet. If you park in the lower lot it adds about 1.5 miles each way to the hike.
🅿️ Large dirt parking lot at the lower 2WD trailhead and an additional small rocky dirt parking area at the upper 4X4 trailhead.
🥾 9.8 miles RT, 2,089’ of elevation from the upper 4X4 trailhead.
⚠️ Please make sure to review and follow all Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests and West Elk Wilderness rules and regulations.
💧 The trail was muddy in some places and had some melting snow when we visited.
🧭 The trail can be hard to follow in places, we recommend downloading the trail map ahead of time.
🦮 Dogs on leash. (Pack out dog p**p)
🚻 No pit toilet at the upper trailhead, but there is one at the lower trailhead.
🚮 No trashcan at the trailheads.

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best trails, camping, and outdoor tips to fuel your next adventure!

10/21/2026

My ultralight gear setup ⤵️

🎒 Gear:
Pack: Distance 8 Backpack
Poles: Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles

🧤 Layers:
Rain Jacket: Foray II Jacket
Rain pants: Mammut Aenergy TR HS Pants
Soft shell: Dawner Hooded Jacket
Mid layer: Trax Power Grid Half Zip Hoodie
Hat: beanie
Gloves: lightweight gloves
Buff: lightweight buff

🍔 Fuel and Hydration:
Carbs: drink mix & gel mix
Electrolytes: packets
Water: 2 - 1/2 liter soft flasks

⚠️ Safety:
- Flow Formulas carb chews
- Extra LMNT packets
- Headlamp & extra batteries
- Toilet paper & p**p kit
- Anti diarrheal tabs
- Advil
- Gauze pads
- Large and small bandaids
- leukotape
- Candle
- Lighter
- Reflective emergency blanket
- IPhone and GPS watch with downloaded maps.

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10/20/2026

Trail info you’ll want to know ⤵️

📌 Tips for Responsible Recreation:
🌎 Leave it better than you found it.
🥾 Stay on the trail.
🌲 Do not carve into trees or rocks.
⛺️ Camp on durable surfaces.
🐻 Respect wildlife & keep your distance.
🌻 Don’t disturb or pick wildflowers.
🚮 Pack out your trash & any trash you find.
😀 Be respectful to others.
⚠️ Follow local rules & regulations.
🎒 Bring the proper gear & stay safe.
⛈️ Always check current local weather.

📌 Save this trail:
📍 Oh-Be-Joyful Trail
🗓️ Date Visited: 10/13/2026
🚗 The first section of road to the trailhead is dirt, but most vehicles should be fine. The second section after the turn off down to the trailhead requires decent clearance and possibly 4x4 depending on the conditions.
🅿️ Medium sized dirt parking lot at the trailhead and an additional small dirt parking area at the turn off for the road down to the trailhead. If you don’t have good clearance and 4x4 park there.
🥾 13.2 miles RT, 2,155’ of elevation.
⚠️ Please make sure to review and follow all Gunnison National Forest and Raggeds Wilderness rules and regulations.
💧 The trail was muddy in some places and had some melting snow when we visited.
🧭 The trail is well marked, but there are multiple junctions and social trails, so we highly recommend downloading the trail map ahead of time.
🦮 Dogs on leash. (Pack out dog p**p)
🚻 Pit toilet at the trailhead.
🚮 No trashcan at the trailhead.

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best trails, camping, and outdoor tips to fuel your next adventure!

10/19/2026

Trail right of way tips ⤵️

🥾 Hikers vs. hikers:
Uphill hikers generally have the right of way, so if you’re heading downhill step to the side to let uphill hikers pass.

🚵‍♂️ Bikers vs. hikers:
Bikers yield to hikers, so if you are biking slow down, let hikers know you’re coming in advance, and stop if you need to so you can safely pass each other.

🐴 Everyone vs. horses:
Hikers and bikers yield to horses, so move off the trail and give them space to pass. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises.

🐄 Everyone vs. livestock:
Cattle and other livestock can be on some public lands and trails, so make sure to give them plenty of space, stay calm, don’t approach or feed them, and don’t get between a mom and her calf. If they block the trail, wait for them to move or find a safe route around if needed.

🌿 When yielding to others avoid trampling vegetation or creating social trails. If you need to step aside use a durable surface when possible.

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best trails, camping, and outdoor tips to fuel your next adventure!

10/18/2026

Trail info you’ll want to know ⤵️

📌 Tips for Responsible Recreation:
🌎 Leave it better than you found it.
🥾 Stay on the trail.
🌲 Do not carve into trees or rocks.
⛺️ Camp on durable surfaces.
🐻 Respect wildlife & keep your distance.
🌻 Don’t disturb or pick wildflowers.
🚮 Pack out your trash & any trash you find.
😀 Be respectful to others.
⚠️ Follow local rules & regulations.
🎒 Bring the proper gear & stay safe.
⛈️ Always check current local weather.

📌 Save this trail:
📍 Crested Butte Upper and Lower Loop
🗓️ Date Visited: 10/12/2026
🚗 Dirt road to the trailhead but it is 2WD accessible.
🅿️ Minimal road side parking as well as additional parking lots back down the road. There is also a small dirt parking lot for ADA users and families with small children only.
🥾 4.5 miles RT, 347’ of elevation.
🔄 We recommend hiking counterclockwise for the best views.
⚠️ Please make sure to review and follow all of the posted rules and regulations.
💧 The trail is currently a little muddy in some places.
🧭 The trail is well marked, but there are multiple junctions, so we recommend downloading the trail map ahead of time.
🦮 Dogs on leash. (Pack out dog p**p)
🐮 Please respect wildlife and livestock, give them space and don’t chase or harass them.
🐴 Please yield to horses and give them space.
🚵 This area is popular for mountain biking, pay attention.
🚻 No bathroom or trashcan at the trailhead.

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best trails, camping, and outdoor tips to fuel your next adventure!

10/17/2026

Trail info you’ll want to know ⤵️

📌 Tips for Responsible Recreation:
🌎 Leave it better than you found it.
🥾 Stay on the trail.
🌲 Do not carve into trees or rocks.
⛺️ Camp on durable surfaces.
🐻 Respect wildlife & keep your distance.
🌻 Don’t disturb or pick wildflowers.
🚮 Pack out your trash & any trash you find.
😀 Be respectful to others.
⚠️ Follow local rules & regulations.
🎒 Bring the proper gear & stay safe.
⛈️ Always check current local weather.

📌 Save this trail:
📍 Dark Canyon, Irwin and D**e
Mountain Loop
🗓️ Date Visited: 10/11/2026
🚗 The road to the trailhead is a mix of paved and dirt and is 2WD accessible, but it is narrow in some places.
🅿️ Medium sized dirt parking lot.
🥾 5.7 miles RT, 1,466’ of elevation.
🔄 We recommend hiking counterclockwise for the best views.
⚠️ Please make sure to review and follow all Gunnison National Forest and Raggeds Wilderness rules and regulations.
💧 The trail is currently a little muddy in some places.
🧭 The trail is well marked, but there are multiple junctions, so we recommend downloading the trail map ahead of time.
🦮 Dogs must be on leash. (Pack out dog p**p)
🐴 This trail is popular for horseback riding. Please pay attention and yield to horses.
🚵 Mountain biking is not allowed.
🚻 Pit toilet at the trailhead.
🚮 No trashcan at the trailhead.

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best trails, camping, and outdoor tips to fuel your next adventure!

10/16/2026

Road info you’ll want to know ⤵️

📌 Tips for Responsible Recreation:
🌎 Leave it better than you found it.
🥾 Stay on the trail.
🌲 Do not carve into trees or rocks.
⛺️ Camp on durable surfaces.
🐻 Respect wildlife & keep your distance.
🌻 Don’t disturb or pick wildflowers.
🚮 Pack out your trash & any trash you find.
😀 Be respectful to others.
⚠️ Follow local rules & regulations.
🎒 Bring the proper gear & stay safe.
⛈️ Always check current local weather.

📌 Save this post:
📍 Kebler Pass
🗓️ Date Visited: 10/11/2026
🚗 The road is a mix of paved and dirt and is 2WD accessible, but it is narrow in some places.
🧭 The route goes from Crested Butte towards Paonia.
📏 The total drive is about 30 miles
⏰ The drive takes about 1 hour without stops.
⛰️ Kebler Pass sits at and elevation of 10,007’
🅿️ There are multiple pull offs and trailheads along the route to stop and take in the views or go for a hike.
❄️ In fall snow and winter driving conditions are possible and the pass usually closes in late November or early December depending on weather conditions.
⚠️ Cell service can be limited in areas, and conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best trails, outdoor recommendations, and tips to fuel your next adventure!

10/15/2026

Trail info you’ll want to know ⤵️

📌 Tips for Responsible Recreation:
🌎 Leave it better than you found it.
🥾 Stay on the trail.
🌲 Do not carve into trees or rocks.
⛺️ Camp on durable surfaces.
🐻 Respect wildlife & keep your distance.
🌻 Don’t disturb or pick wildflowers.
🚮 Pack out your trash & any trash you find.
😀 Be respectful to others.
⚠️ Follow local rules & regulations.
🎒 Bring the proper gear & stay safe.
⛈️ Always check current local weather.

📌 Save this hike:
📍 Teddy’s Trail
🗓️ Date Visited: 10/10/2026
🚗 Paved road to the trailhead.
🅿️ Relatively small paved and dirt parking lots and additional paved roadside parking.
🥾 1.8 miles RT, 275’ of elevation.
💧 The trail is currently a little muddy in some places.
🧭 The trail is well marked, but there are multiple junctions, so we recommend downloading the trail map ahead of time.
🦮 Dogs on leash. (Pack out dog p**p)
🐴 Be aware of the horses in the area and please do not disturb them.
🚻 Porta-potty at the trailhead.

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best hikes, campsites, and outdoor tips to fuel your next adventure!

10/14/2026

Road info you’ll want to know ⤵️

📌 Tips for Responsible Recreation:
🌎 Leave it better than you found it.
🥾 Stay on the trail.
🌲 Do not carve into trees or rocks.
⛺️ Camp on durable surfaces.
🐻 Respect wildlife & keep your distance.
🌻 Don’t disturb or pick wildflowers.
🚮 Pack out your trash & any trash you find.
😀 Be respectful to others.
⚠️ Follow local rules & regulations.
🎒 Bring the proper gear & stay safe.
⛈️ Always check current local weather.

📌 Save this post:
📍 Forest Service Rd 15.1
🗓️ Date Visited: 10/2/2026
🚗 The road is paved and 2WD accessible, but on 10/2/2026 there was construction that closed down one lane for a short section.
🧭 The road goes from Aspen to the Castle Creek Trailhead. There are dirt roads that continue further, but high clearance and 4x4 may be required for those.
📏 The drive is about 13 miles one way, so 26 miles round trip.
⏰ The drive takes about 30 minutes each way without stops.
🅿️ There are multiple trailheads along the route to stop and take in the fall colors or go for a hike.
🚴‍♂️ This is a popular road for biking, please pay attention and watch out for cyclists.
❄️ In fall snow and winter driving conditions are possible.
⚠️ Cell service can be limited in areas, and conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best trails, outdoor recommendations, and tips to fuel your next adventure!

10/13/2026

Here’s what Leave No Trace, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service say:

If obstacles on trails are safe to navigate, the recommendation from Leave No Trace is to stay on the established trail rather than creating a path around it. If it’s unsafe or truly impassable, don’t get yourself hurt, follow the land manager’s guidance or turn around.

🌿 Leave No Trace:
“For natural obstacles that are too big to safely move, make sure you stay on the trail by going over, under, or through them, rather than going off trail to avoid them.” “Concentrating travel on trails reduces the likelihood that multiple routes will develop and scar the landscape. It is better to have one well-designed route than many poorly chosen paths.”

🏔️ National Park Service:
“A social trail is an unofficial, user-created path that forms over time, as visitors take detours off of designated trails.” “With enough foot traffic, these paths get worn down and can look like an official trail.”“Social trails can also lead to the trampling of small plants and fungi, as well as soil erosion, which can be very damaging to tree roots and cause stress to the tree.” “Trails are built where they are for a reason, to minimize erosion, provide scenery, and steer clear of sensitive plants and animals.” “To set a good example for other visitors today and every day, stay on designated trails!”

🌲 U.S. Forest Service:
“A social trail is an informal, nondesignated trail between two locations. Social trails often result in trampling stresses to vegetation and soils.” “On this social trail, plants are trampled and soil compacted.”“These expansions disturb or fragment riparian vegetation and interior habitats.”

✅ Follow us Katherine & Derrick Merwin | Colorado Adventure Couple for the best hikes, camping, and outdoor tips to fuel your next adventure!

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Fairbanks, AK
99701, 99702, 99703, 99705, 99706, 99707, 99708, 99709, 99710, 99711, 99712, 997

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