Lead King Basin
Gunnison County, Colorado
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Nearby Towns: Marble
Nearby Trails: Crystal City, Schofield Pass
Trail Length: 9.2 miles
Elevation: 7,911 to 10,823 feet

Recommended by Chad

Lead King Basin meets Crystal City and Schofield Pass at a point in the middle. It is the second-most challenging trail after Schofield Pass out of the three trails. It is one of the most scenic, however.

If you start from Marble and finish at Crested Butte at the end of Schofield Pass you will find some good challenges. Lead King Basin is one of the most beautiful trails in Colorado, with meadows filled with wildflowers, tall trees, rocky mountains, waterfalls, and interesting rock formations. Most of the trail can be done with any 4x4 vehicle, with a few small challenges. The biggest challenge of the trail would be getting around any oncoming vehicles.

This trail is highly recommended for it's beauty. There are also many hiking trails nearby so assume you will see hikers and mountain bikers as well.

Member Reports

• September 3, 2005: ran by Bob R., Cheryl, Dave B., Dave E., Ladd, Micheal, Monica and Walt
• August 10, 2003: ran by Ladd, Monica and Perry

Driving Directions

From Denver take I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 south to Carbondale. At Carbondale take Highway 133 until you see a sign for Marble and Road 314. Just past Marble on this main road through town you will see signs for Lead King Basin Road 315.

Meeting Places

Meet at Java Joe's at 433 Main Street in Carbondale.