Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Minturn
POP 1023 / ELEV 7861FT
Squeezed between the burgeoning luxury condominium and resort developments of Vail
and Beaver Creek, Minturn is a wonderful respite in Eagle County. This small railroad
town along the Eagle River was founded in 1887 and its shops and homes retain the cozi-
ness and charm of a place that really has been around for a while. If you prefer real town
ambience over faux Tyrolean architecture and fur coats, Minturn makes an excellent base.
THE MINTURN MILE
If you're itching to head off the grid, consider the Minturn Mile. One of the most famous 'out-of-bounds' ski runs
in the world, you can access it from the top of chairs 3 or 7 on Vail Mountain.
At the top of the turn on Lost Boy, stay left and hike up to Ptarmigan Ridge. Here you can take the access gate
and begin a descent of 3 miles to Minturn. Advanced skills are a must as you'll encounter a wide range of terrain
- starting in a bowl and veering through the trees. At about the midway point you'll find the 'beaver ponds,' a ter-
rific place to take a break and catch your breath before hitting the Luge, an old fire road that gets narrow in spots
and will lead you the rest of the way down.
Know that you'll be skiing into an area beyond the resort boundaries; it is not patrolled. If you get injured,
you'll be on your own, and if you require rescue it will come at considerable expense. It's best to ski along with
someone who has prior knowledge of the terrain and route, and be sure to have proper gear, equipment and an up-
dated report on conditions (if you go too early in the season the thin coverage could be a nightmare). Of course, it
is, by all accounts, a magnificent experience - one of the best in the Vail swirl - and requires a toast at the Min-
turn Saloon upon arrival.
Activities
Minturn and Red Cliff (located about 10 miles further south on US 24) are gateways to the
Holy Cross Wilderness Area , where you'll find some of the most spectacular hiking in the re-
gion. Anyone heading up here should first check in with the Holy Cross Ranger Office.
Do not head into the wilderness area without the proper information and appropriate
equipment.
Given that the Eagle River runs right through town, it should come as no surprise that
the fishing in and around town is pretty good. Though the fish are bigger downstream, the
higher-altitude fishing is just tremendous and a terrific year-round activity. The fish are
easier to find and the scenery absolutely stunning in winter.
Notch Mountain Trail
HIKING
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