Montezuma Basin Trail

There is no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery along the Montezuma Basin Trail, as it exhibits sights of mesmerizing cascades, vibrant alpine tundras, and epic mountain views. This awesome adventure is great for those conditioning for a more technical ascent up a Colorado 14er, as it will tire you without over-exhausting you. Traveling at such high altitudes it is important to be acclimatized to the area before attempting this trek. Furthermore, when hiking in the summer months, be sure to check the forecast to mitigate the chances of getting caught in a nasty storm in the exposed basin. Note: off-roading vehicles are permitted along this route seasonally, so be mindful of passers-by.

Embark on your adventure along the Montezuma Basin Trail from the trailhead off Cooper Creek Road. From here, track the Pearl Pass Road south along Castle Creek. Intersecting with several streams, you will eventually encounter an intersection. Here, keep right and you will be diverted up Forest Road 129.1-Montezuma. This section of the trek will become more intense as you ascend the increasingly rocky terrain through the tundra to the mountain basin.

Let the sights of Malemute Peak motivate you to persist as you climb. Soon, you will reach the Montezuma Basin just southwest of Malemute Peak. From here, you will be rewarded with epic views of Conundrum and Castle Peaks in the west, and several old mine shafts along the slopes of Malemute. If you still have some gas left in the tank, continue along the route up to Conundrum Peak. If not, simply retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.