Explore Steamboat, Manzanares Trail #1204

Trail access

#1: On HWY 40 two miles outside of Steamboat Springs, turn right onto County Road 129. Follow CR 129 about 32 miles until it forks just past Columbine. At the fork, go right onto FDR 550. Travel 2.5 miles and turn right onto FDR 500. After 1.5 miles turn right onto FDR 402 and park at its end. The trail beginning here is the Farwell Mountain trail #1203. After traveling about 1.5 miles on 1203, 1204 will intersect this trail on the left.

#2: Follow the ACCESS #1 to FDR 500. Continue 2 miles east on FDR 500 and turn right onto FDR 505. After .5 mile turn left onto FDR 498 and park at the #1204 trailhead at the end of the road.

#3: Follow the ACCESS #1 to FDR 500. Continue 4 miles on FDR 500 and turn right onto FDR 500.1A. Park at the end of this road in the provided parking.

Trail attractions

The Manzanares trail has several different use-regulations because part of it is motorized and another part of it enters the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, therefore this section is limited to equestrian and foot travel only! This trail has several starting points and does not require 4WD to get to the trailhead! This area receives low use and is excellent for hikers seeking solitude! Campsites are limited at Manzanares Lake and horse forage is limited to the meadows along the West Fork. This trail is steep and rocky.

Narrative

The trail takes the user through an area of the national forest with old large timber, excellent views from the top of the Continental Divide, meadows and a mountain lake. The Manzanares Trail entering from the western side, climbs continually for 6.6 miles all the way to the Continental Divide! At this point the user is entering the Mount Zirkel Wilderness which allows travel by foot and horseback only! It is steep and rocky and is infrequently maintained. At the Divide, the trail switchbacks down steeply, travels through open meadows and into thick forest. Shortly after this point, the user will turn left and travel about 1 mile to Manzanares Lake. Continuing past the lake another mile, trail 1153 is encountered. Prior to entering the Wilderness, the Manzanares Trail is motorized. Several other trails can connect to make great loops!