Explore Steamboat, Nipple Peak Trail #1147

Trail access

#1: Drive Hwy 40 west of Steamboat 2 miles and turn right onto Routt County Road 129. Continue north 33 miles just past the Summit Creek guard station. Turn left onto FDR 047 and park.

#2 : The west end of the Nipple Peak trail can be accessed by going west on US 40 for 24 miles to Hayden. Turn right on Routt County Road 80 to California Park, 20 miles. Go through California Park to Slater Park. Turn right onto FDR 156 to the 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.

Beginning at the west entrance, from FDR 156 to Oliver Creek, this trail is open to wheel-to-ground motorized vehicles 44" or less in width. The Nipple Peak trail from Oliver Creek East to FDR 047 is open to two-wheeled trail motorcycles, and over-snow vehicles operating in a minimum of 6 inches of snow.
In addition, the Nipple Peak trail is closed to all wheel-to-ground motorized vehicles from October 1st to July 1st. All trails west of County Road 129 are closed to motorized uses from October 1 - July 1.

Narrative

From the east side the trail starts up jeep road FDR 047 and climbs to the divide between Hahns Peak and Slater Park on the west side. The trail turns into a narrow single track on steep sideslope wooded forest. It skirts an inactive timber sale on the right just before reaching the divide. From this point, Oliver Creek, the trail widens and ATVs are allowed in from the west end. The trail starts a gentle down hill towards Slater Park. This side is more open with aspen groves and meadows.