Did a point-to-point trail run from Yellow Aster Butte, connecting to High Divide trail, and then down Excelsior Pass trail. GPS says about 15mi and 3,950ft gain (5,617ft descent).
Parking/Road
Excelsior has a small lot and was full by 9:30am when we arrived to drop the first car. There's a small overflow across the street, but easily accessible. Yellow Aster Butte was wildly full with parking all along the road around 10am. The road is gravel and some pot holes, but I think my old sedan would have made it just fine.
Trail Conditions
This trail is in excellent condition all the way through. Lots of wild flowers and meadows, so the growth is certainly there, but not impeding the trail. Very minimal snow patches, which are probably gone after a couple more warm days.
Water Sources
There was a lack of flowing water. Mostly would be snow melt or the small lakes formed from the snowmelt up towards the top of Yellow Aster Butte near the trail junctions. If planning to backpack or collect water for your run, I would suggest filling up when you can and carrying with you, since availability seems somewhat scarce otherwise.
Animals/Bugs
No large animal sightings, but the mosquitos and flies were out for blood. It helps when trail running that you're in motion, but if I stopped for even a second to take a photo, or rest, or grab a snack, etc. they were buzzing around me, swarming me from every angle. I found them particularly bad at excelsior pass and coming down that trail in the woods, until closer to the bottom. I think over the course of the 4 hours we were out I came away with 10+ bites. (I am a mosquito magnet, so always walk away with more than my friends typically).
Other
Stunning views! For a relatively short distance, you can see some really beautiful views of Baker and extending mountain range. Excelsior is mainly in the woods until the pass, so not much view there, but Yellow Aster you'll get views just from the parking area and is more exposed. High Divide is completely exposed with little to no shade, so plan your sun protection accordingly.
Happy Trails.
Comments