Explore Steamboat, The Bears Ears Trail #1144

Trail access

This trail makes a large loop around the Black Mountain area, there fore, it may be accessed from many different points. The following Forest Development Roads may be used to access this trail: FDR 110, 150, 118, 109 and 112. There are three primary access points to sections of this trail.

#1 : BLACK MOUNTAIN: Take US HWY 13 north out of Craig for 11.5 miles to Moffatt County Road #27-(turn right at Cox Brothers Sawmill) continue until you reach the Routt National Forest Boundary. Continue north on FDR 110 for approximately 1 mile until FDT #1144 crosses the road. Park here and you may either go east or west on the trail. These segments of the trail are not open to motorized travel.

If you wish to access the northern portion of FDT #1144, continue travelling north on FDR 110 over the top of Black Mountain, past Lost Park Guard Station. Turn left on FDR 162 to access the NON- MOTORIZED portion of #1144 to the west toward the scenic views of Mt. Welba, Mt. Oliphant, Buck Point, Sand Point, and Black Mountain.

To access the motorized section of #1144 to the east, continue travelling north on FDR 110 for several more yards until you reach the trailhead on the South Fork of Slater Creek- there is parking on the right side of the road. This section of trail is a popular route to the California Park Area/FDR 150.

#2: FREEMAN RECREATION AREA: Trail #1144 can be easily accessed from the Freeman Recreation Area which is located north of Craig. Take U.S., Highway 13 north for 12 miles (past the Black Mountain Access) to Moffatt County Road 11/FDR 112, turn right and continue for approximately 8 miles past the Sherman Youth Camp entrance to the Freeman Reservoir Recreation Area. There is free parking below the dam at the Trailhead Parking area or you may use the Fee Area parking located next to the Boat Ramp. There are three short trail spurs that leave the reservoir and campground area, these all intersect with Trail #1144 up the drainages of Cottonwood and Taylor Creeks (approximately 1 1/2 miles from the recreation area). All of these trails are for foot, horseback and bicycle travel only.

#3: CALIFORNIA PARK: Take Routt County Road #80 north out of Hayden (the first right after crossing the Yampa River). Turn left at the intersection of RCR #80 and RCR #70 and continue to the Forest Boundary at the top of Quaker Mountain. The trailhead for the southern portion of FDT #1144 is in California Park on the west side of FDR #150 approximately 5 miles from the Forest Boundary-between Armstrong and Knowles Creek.

The northern access to this trail which is motorized is on the divide between California Park and Slater Park at the intersection of FDR #150 and #117. FDR #117 is a narrow four wheel drive road and it is advised that you park in the parking area across the road at the intersection of FDR #150 and #42 just a few yards away. It is approximately 1.5 miles through thick forest to the actual trailhead. This section of trail can also be accessed from FDR #126 which is approximately 1.75 miles north of FDR 42, to the left. This is referred to as the Adams Creek Trailhead and FDR #126 is also a narrow four wheel drive road; it is recommended that you park near the main road and hike the .5 mile to the actual trailhead.

Trail attractions

Travel regulations and seasonal closures have recently changed for this trail system. The purpose of this order is to protect critical big game habitat, prevent trail damage and reduce erosion during wet weather, insure user safety, resolve user conflicts, and minimize maintenance costs and trail investment loss. In addition, the motorized section of trail 1144 between Adams Creek and Black Mountain Road #110 is closed to motorized uses from October 1st through July 1st. All trails west of County Road 129 are closed to motorized use from October 1 - July 1.

This trail receives very light to moderate use during June, July and August which offers the visitor an opportunity for solitude and great wildlife viewing. During hunting season, October and November, this trail receives HEAVY hiking, mechanized and motorized uses. If you enter this area it is advisable to be very cautious and to wear blaze orange. Because of the remoteness of this area, make sure to be well equipped for back country conditions--all weather gear (even in summer), water, food, first aid supplies, compass and a good map. It is never recommended that you go hiking alone without notifying someone of your plans.

Narrative

This trail makes a large loop around the "Black Mountain" area and traverses into Routt County to the east. The trail travels through aspen stands and open parks with a few stretches of spruce/fir trees. Only a few short sections of the trail are steep. There are no developed campgrounds in this area with the exception of Freeman Campground. Dispersed camping is allowed 100 feet away from the trail, bodies of water and 1/4 mile from a developed campground or trailhead.

Please follow backcountry ethics and pack out all trash. The only portion of this trail open to motorized use is between FDR 110 and FDR 150. Please remember that the motorized section of the trail between Adams Creek and Black Mountain Road #110 is closed to motorized uses from October 1st through July 1st.

Since this trail crosses numerous roads, it is suitable for hikers and bikers to be dropped off at one point and picked up at another.

The trail segment north from Freeman Recreation Area to Sand Point/FDR 109 travels over the drainage divide between Fortification Creek and the Little Snake River. The climb is steep from either side up to the divide. On top of the divide, called the "Gap" is an opportunity for an excellent scenic view.

This stretch crosses the three forks of Fortification Creek which is not accessible by vehicle and offer some fair small stream fishing.

The trail segment from Sand Point/FDR109 east to FDR 110 is very scenic. There are several mountain peaks here: Mt. Welba, 10,569; Mt. Oliphant 10,670 feet; Buck Point 10,550 feet; Sand Point 10,074 feet; and Black Mountain 10,801 feet the highest point in the western area of the Forest. In this area you can still see traces of forest fires that burned nearly a century ago.

This portion of the trail accesses Beaver Creek, Cataract Creek, Roaring Fork Creek and Boulder Creek with scattered beaver ponds and fair fishing opportunities. The longest part of trail #1144 between roads is the portion from FDR 110 to FDR 150 that lies to the south below Bears Ears Peaks. Going east the trail is fairly steep down into Sawmill Creek, then it skirts the base of Bears Ears Peaks, and is fairly easy traveling into California Park. Two to three miles west of California Park this trail passes through one of the largest aspen stands in Colorado. This is also prime elk habitat along with mule deer and numerous species of migratory birds.