North Pole Basin Hike
Friday, August 13, 8:00 AM
DESTINATION: North Pole Basin in the Elk Mountains
TIME OF ARRIVAL: 8:00 AM
TOLL: $100
EXCURSION MAXIMUM: 20 (10 per Group A and Group B)
TOUR GUIDES: Wynn Williams, Richard Cole and Tina Kempin
PICNIC FARE: Maxwell’s Steakhouse, Crested Butte
*Moderate to strenuous hike covering 6 miles round trip
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Join avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Wynn Williams, Richard Cole and Tina Kempin for a spectacular hike into the North Pole Basin, only accessible by special permission, in the Elk Mountains. Your adventure begins at the 4-way stop in Crested Butte and continues over Schofield Pass and through private property, a 15-mile drive one way. Following wilderness terrain to an old mining area in the North Pole Basin, you will explore the area around the once busy mining town of Schofield and learn more about the “guts” of the mine at the lower portal. Expect a full day of FUN with a return to the 4-Way Stop around 4:30 p.m.
Maxwell’s in Crested Butte will prepare delicious picnic box lunches for the hikers. Prior to moving here, Molly Maxwell had lots of experience at her restaurant, “The Classic Cup”, in Kansas City preparing tasty box lunches. Hikers will experience wonderful eating and views on this trip. (Vegetarian choices will be available upon request for this event) Ample water will also be provided.
We are offering two options for experienced hikers to enjoy and experience the North Pole Basin and NEITHER are walks in the park. Both options are for serious hikers only.
Group A: Expert hikers will enjoy this hike, as they will gain 2,000 feet in elevation over the first three miles. Guests will be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Maroon Bells, Treasury Mountain and the Raggeds Wilderness area. This is a great ascent hike to the higher levels of North Pole Basin.
Group B: Experienced hikers are sure to enjoy this beautiful hike into the lower North Pole Basin Valley. This hike includes an 800-foot gain in elevation and also bushwhacking to reach some areas and stream crossings. Gorgeous views are guaranteed and plentiful on this hike.
Alternate: If we do not have sufficient snow melt to allow us to get into the North Pole Basin, our alternate hike will be the Galena Area Hike. This is also an excellent hike with awesome views of Galena Lake, North Pole Basin and also of West Maroon Pass and beyond.
Be one of only a few to experience the grandeur of the North Pole Basin and our bridge to the local wilderness areas. Please indicate your group hike preference with your reservation.
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS: Download the Reservation Form.
TO VIEW THE TDF BROCHURE: Click here
This event is part of a series:
