Montezuma Basin #102

White River National Forest

With the lower section receiving heavy use (especially on weekends) the 4.7 mile Montezuma Basin is very rugged and in some sections located in a stream. Climbing well above the timberline, there is often snow on the road well into July.

The first 0.5 mile of Montezuma Basin is fairly level, then it begins to climb. At 1.5 mile mark the road reaches the stream which must be forded. Continuing to climb through spruce groves, the road crosses a bridge and becomes steeper and more rugged.

Mace cabin is passed (on right) at 3 miles. About 0.25 mile past the cabin the road to Pearl Pass forks steeply to the left. Keeping right, the road soon climbs some steep, continuous switchbacks before reaching it's end at the parking area at the base of Castle Peak.

To reach Montezuma Basin from Aspen Colorado, travel west along Highway 82 for 0.5 mile to the Roundabout. Go around the Roundabout and turn right onto Castle Creek Road. The beginning of this route starts about 2 miles beyond Ashcroft.