State Forest State Park

Seven Utes Mountain: 7.5 miles, 2,500 feet of elevation gain

The hike begins at the Seven Utes Mountain trailhead on the west side of Cameron Pass, near the town of Gould. On either side of the yurt, follow the trail to the bridge that crosses Michigan River and continue up an old logging road for about a mile to the actual trail. It can be easy to miss, so GPS can be handy. Continue on the trail up the drainage to a ridge between 7 Utes Mountain and Mount Mahler. Continue west up the trail to the summit. 

For a little more distance and elevation gain, you can add Peak 11,188.

The summit of Mount Mahler can also be added, but difficulty would be greater with about another 2.5 miles round trip distance and another 1,500 feet elevation gain.

Nokhu Crags & Campground: 

The Crags Campground offers 25 sites with water and toilets. 

Lake Agnes: 5.2 miles, 1,200 feet elevation gain

The doubletrack provides access to the Lake Agnes Trailhead and is the winter route to Lake Agnes. It starts at the parking lot along State Hwy 14 and follows County Road 64A (dirt road) to the junction of County Road 64 where you turn south (or right) and start following County Road 64 for about two miles to Lake Agnes Cabin.

From the cabin, the trail turns into a single tread foot path. In the winter, plan to look for the blue diamonds on trees in the woods just behind the cabin to the left. The trail starts heading up the hillside toward the lake. Do not follow behind the cabin into the avalanche path.

American Lakes, Snow Lake and Thunder Pass: 7.3 miles, 1,440 feet of elevation gain

An additional hike of 0.8 miles and climb of almost 100 ft brings you to Thunder Pass which is on the border of Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow Lake, nestled behind a moraine, is a 0.5 mi hike and scramble 300 ft above the American Lakes. From Snow Lake you see the namesake lakes, as North and South Americas connected by Michigan River (Central America). 

The lakes can also be accessed from the National Forest parking area at Cameron Pass by crossing CO 14 and hiking (or biking) about 2.5 mi along Michigan Ditch until you reach the crossover of the American Lakes Trail. Another access point is via Rocky Mountain National Park from the Colorado River Trail/ Grand Ditch which leads to Thunder Pass. 

Gould Loop: 6.5 miles, 250 feet of elevation gain

The trail begins at the Moose Visitor Center and parallels the middle fork of the Michigan River. At the Moose Visitor Center, there are restrooms and a warm area to put on boots and gear.

Bockman Road: 8.7 miles, 2,000 feet of elevation gain

Bockman road is a 4WD and snowmobile road west of the Diamond Peaks in the State Forest State Park. It can be connected with other trails in the area like the Diamond Peaks and Montgomery Pass trails.

Prepare for stunning views of the Diamond peaks and Nokhu Crags. While Bockman road is open to snowmobiles, this side of the Cameron Pass offers more solitude than the busy east side. The best place to park is the Seven Utes parking area, skiing east for a short distance and then crossing where the sign indicates the start of Bockman road. There are some opportunities for small powder runs along the road but generally this is more of an area for backcountry nordic ski tours. Loop opportunities exist or the more adventurous could plan car shuttles.

Static-Richthofen Traverse: 8 miles, 2,700 feet of elevation gain

The Static Richthofen Traverse is a classic mountaineering adventure in the Never Summer Mountains northwest of Rocky Mountain National Park. It includes an excellent class 3 scramble and stupendous views of nearby peaks, alpine lakes, and the National Park.

---

State Forest State Park charges a fee to enter. For more information, please visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/StateForest/Pages/Fees.aspx

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Park roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter conditions. For more information, please visit https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/StateForest/Pages/Conditions.aspx

• Suitable Activities: Backcountry Nordic Skiing, Biking, Hiking, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• High Point: 11,453 ft

• Land Manager: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
  State Forest State Park
• Parking Permit Required: State Parks Entrance Fee / Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 15
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 15