FATMAP by Strava

Lupine Loop

Crested Butte

A rewarding loop from downtown Crested Butte with flowy singletrack and beautiful views.

Trail Running Easy

Distance
20 km
Ascent
485 m
Descent
484 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
2.9 km
Gradient
Lupine Loop Map

A quick run up the pavement from downtown Crested Butte brings you to the beginning of the Lupine Trail: a flowy, scenic singletrack benched high into a hillside overlooking the Slate River Valley and the town of Crested Butte.

Description

As the trail winds its way along the hillside, you'll be faced with a choice: slow down and enjoy the incredible views of the region, or focus on the singletrack and get into a flowy groove? It's a win-win—which will you choose?

The Lupine Trail can be looped in a variety of ways, and the original (and shorter) option drops down to the Slate River Road, following the dirt road back to Crested Butte. The route mapped here is longer and requires a bit more running and climbing, but the additional singletrack is well-worth it!

The main reason to complete this longer loop option is the relatively new trail known as the Gunsight Pass Connector Trail at the far end of the loop. This sweet, sweet stretch of singletrack swoops and flows through a thick aspen grove on the loamiest black dirt you may every run on! Swooping turns and undulating singletrack drops the runner all too quickly down to Slate River Road.

From there, you can choose to climb to the Upper Lower Loop or take the Lower Lower Loop back to downtown Crested Butte. Both are great options, but one requires a bit more climbing, and the other is flatter and mellower.

While not a true beginner route, the Lupine Loop from downtown Crested Butte is a very approachable trail run that forgoes the rocks\ and extended climbing of most long-time Crested Butte classics, yet still feels very rewarding once you sit down at the bar afterward.

Difficulty

Easy

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area