Nellie’s– FDT 1839
Difficulty:
More Difficult
Trail Use:
Moderate
Length:
2.0 miles
Elevation:
Starts at 8461 ft, ends at 9937 ft, highest point 9937 ft
Elevation Gain:
+1476 feet
Open To:
Hiking, horseback riding
Access
:
Travel 13 miles from Eagle on I-70 to the Dotsero exit and follow the signs for Sweetwater/Burns by turning north onto the Colorado River Road. Follow the
Colorado River Rd. for 7 miles and turn left onto the
Sweetwater Creek Road.
Stay on
Sweetwater Creek Rd. for 11.5 miles, parking near the cabins for the Sweetwater Wilderness Ranch, more parking is available a 1/4 mile up the short, 4-wheel drive road that leads to Hilltop Ranch.
To access the trailhead go up to Hilltop Ranch and through the gate, travel on Turret Creek-
FDT 1832 for 1/2 mile, take a right at the fork crossing the creek.
Trail Highlights
:
This very steep trail begins at a junction with Turret Creek-FDT 1852 and ends at the junction with Johnny Meyers-FDT 2067.
A popular trail for horseback riders, the trail begins by crossing Turret Creek and passes through aspen forests before a steep uphill climb through open meadows.
At about the 1 mile mark the trail goes around a small conical hill, commonly known as Nellie’s Nipple.
A more gradual climb is to be expected before reaching Johnny Meyers trail.
On the way up the slope, hikers are treated to incredible panoramic views of
Sweetwater
Lake,
Sweetwater
Canyon, Shingle and
Turret
Peaks, and the snow-capped mountain ranges beyond, providing the hiker with excellent photo opportunities.
