3-Day: Crystal River Bogan Flats Campground

Bogan Flats is located just northwest of Marble, Colorado. Camp along the Crystal River at what the USFS calls "one of the most scenic campgrounds in the Sopris District." From here, you can explore the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, as well as historic Marble and the 9-mile hike to Crystal Mill, one of the most iconic and photographed structures in the Mountain West. [This Trip is intended for active BPX members only. https://www.cmc.org/groups-sections/special-interest-sections/backpacking-section]

Camp two nights at Bogan Flats Campground, south of Carbondale, Colorado. From camp, explore this scenic and historic mining area just outside the western boundary of the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Options to see the historic Crystal Mill and stop at hot springs. From here, you can also plan much more ambitious hikes, such as Mt Sopris.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Carpool and drive to Bogan Flats Campground. Note: Reservations for sites highly recommended. Stop for lunch in Carbondale if you make good time, then check in at 2 pm and set up camp. Spend the afternoon enjoying the river, cooking, and/or hiking the nearby Lily Lake Trail.

Day 2: Option 1: Get an early start and hike the Crystal City Road #314 to the historic Crystal Mill. This is a 9-mile out and back (unless you drive part of it with 4x4 to cut off 1.2 miles), that follows the Crystal River and features 1300 feet of gain along a moderate grade. The road is used by Off road vehicles, so we'll share the route with hikers and vehicles, through some of Colorado's most beautiful scenery, to end at one of Colorado's most photographed historic mill structures. Consider this a merry pilgrimage, rather than a remote hike! There is a fee to get close to the mill and take photos of it; bring cash. Head back to the cars, back to camp, and enjoy a social evening. Option 2: Hike the Carbonate Creek Trail, an 11 mile out-and-back considered to be one of the most scenic trails in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Option 3: Climb Mt Sopris, a 13-mile out and back that summits an impressive 12.9K peak in the Elk Range. Option 4: Hike the Anthracite Pass Trail to Anthracite Pass, a 6.2 mile out and back that is difficult with 2800 feet of gain, but ends with incredible views from the pass.

Day 3: Break camp and head out. Option to stop at the free road-side Penny Hot Springs south of Carbondale, or head to Glenwood Springs to shower and use the paid hot springs. Then, head back to Denver.

Map: Bogan Flats Campground

Map: Hiking/OHV route from Marble to Crystal Mill

Map: Carbonate Creek Trail

Map: Anthracite Pass Trail

Map: Mt Sopris Trail