Red Hill

Overview

Red Hill
Elevation : 7,020' (interpolation)
CO Peaks Rank : 4098
Counties : Garfield
Quad : Carbondale
Coords : 39.4227°N, 107.2298°W
Rise : 320'
Saddle : 6,700'


Red Hill is one of those peaks that almost looks like a peak, and when you drive by, you wonder, "I wonder if that's something, and how you'd get up it if it is..." And then you see the tons of people parked there, too! What the heck are they doing? Carpooling? Nope, they're hiking or biking up Red Hill.





Thankfully, it is a BLM area ringed by private property. And there are a ton of trails on the peak and mesa area, enough to spread out and still be able to have fun.





For peak junkies or people with limited time, the shortest route to the top is about 3 miles RT, with about 1150' gain. Speedy sorts can do it in less than an hour, slower folks like myself or people enjoying the views might take longer.







As an added bonus, after you climb Red Hill, you might be able to drive up the road and get up 7553, although I haven't personally done it.

Getting There

From Glenwood Springs, head south towards Aspen on 82. At the 82 & 133 intersection at Carbondale, take a left at the light:













And then pull into the parking lot, being sure to not be a prick and take only 1 parking space:

Red Tape

There is a seasonal closure towards the NW corner, effectively halving the park due to winter and bad trail conditions (MUD!). It might also impact the elk calving in that area.

Camping

Not to be dismissive of this peak, but this is another peak that is not a destination peak, meaning that this is just a peak you add on to the beginning of a trip, the end of a trip, or sneak in between other things you have going on in and around the area.

Goods and services can be purchased in Carbondale, a scant .25 miles away.

External Links

Red Hill Trail System on Carbondale.com

Red Hill on ListsofJohn.com

BLM map of the trails on Red Hill.

Trail to the summit

Images

View Red Hill Image Gallery - 21 Images