Hay Park Trail - 14.9 Miles Round-Trip

The Hay Park Trail runs 7.45 miles from Capitol Creek Road west of Old Snowmass to the Thomas Lakes Trail above Carbondale. This long but moderate trail passes through aspen-covered slopes cut by several creeks and high meadows with great views from Capitol Peak to Mount Sopris.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Hay Park includes 9980 acres of valuable mid-elevation habitat that's part of the Hay Park Wilderness Addition Proposal to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, an initiative that envisages a road-less 200,000+ acre block in the Roaring Fork Valley.

The Hay Park Trail is ideal for running, biking and equestrians, with miles of contiguous aspen that make it a great autumn choice. This corridor supports abundant wildlife and is open to hunting (public lands only). Be mindful of hunting seasons and wear bright colors during these periods.

There are several unmarked splits off the Hay Park Trail that can easily be confused for the main trail. Carry a good map and have a general understanding of your route before heading out. Respect private property lines and remain on designated trails.

Note that distance and elevation gain figures will vary between sources depending on which trailhead you start at - Hay Park or Thomas Lakes - and where the source determines the trail to officially begin and end.

The following description begins at Hay Park Trailhead on Capitol Creek Road and runs north to its merge point with the Thomas Lakes Trail:

From the Hay Park BLM Lot, cross a pasture to the Backcountry Board (.23 miles) and begin a steep climb through dense aspen. Pass through a gate (.7 miles) and cross a road to regain the trail. It drops to another road at .88 miles (9,020'); turn left and split off the road (left) at 1.1 miles.

It narrows back on singletrack, dips across a small stream and rises through tightly-lined aspen (1.5 miles : 9,140'). Enjoy a brief opening at 1.75 miles to a fork that splits right (1.9 miles : 9,245').

You'll exit the Capitol Creek Land Co Private Property Boundary at 2.0 miles and hop consecutive creeks at 2.2 miles (9,175'). Travel is fast and nondescript through greater concentrations of fir to East Sopris Creek (2.8 miles : 9,205'), past which mature aspen take over with good viewing lanes.

The trail undulates to a subtle fork at 3.35 miles; keep right and curl steeply down into a shallow gulch and cross another stream (3.38 miles : 9,185'). It rises out and moderates across high clearings in a park-like setting with terrific mountain views (3.65 - 4.15 miles : 9,345').

The trail drops to a small pond and fork with no signage (4.25 miles : 9,305') - the following description continues up the left fork on the far, upper slope of the pond:

The left fork steepens out of the forest and passes through a fence into big open space (4.8 miles : 9,645'). Travel moderates across high, expansive meadows to a second fence at the trail's highest point (5.2 miles : 9,710').

This is a great place to see elk with panoramas that include Capitol Peak and Mount Sopris. It's also a sensible turnaround point, as travel is more business-like to the terminus.

The trail dips into a stream-crossed meadow and funnels onto a service road that drops sharply to West Sorpis Creek (6.25 miles : 9,540'). It crosses and moderates in mixed timber that breaks across open slopes to the Thomas Lakes Trail split (7.45 miles : 9,370'). It continues down as the Thomas Lakes Trail for 1.7 miles to the Thomas Lakes Trailhead on Dinkle Lake Road outside Carbondale.