Mushroom Rock

DIRECTIONS:

The Red Hill Recreation Area Trailhead is located at the intersection of State Hwy 82 and State Hwy 133 in Carbondale, Colorado. There is a large parking area and the trailhead is located next to the upper parking.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

Mushroom Rock is a prominent feature on the Red Hill Recreation Area north of Carbondale. The Recreation Area is situated at the edge of the Sawatch and the Elk Mountains. The forested hillside makes way to a red rock cliffside with incredible views of Mt. Sopris and the Elk Range to the south. A trail system stretches out to the north and offers miles upon miles of hiking and mountain biking. This trail description follows the most direct route from the trailhead and parking area up to Mushroom Rock…and back again…

From the trailhead head up the canyon for just a minute until you come to the junction for the Ruthie’s Run Trail (a hiker only route). Head up the rocky Ruthie’s Run Trail as it skirts up the hillside. The trail weaves through the forest climbing over rock features and stays close to the cliffs offering numerous viewpoints as you hike. When you reach the Mushroom Rock/Blue Ribbon junction, head to the left for the Mushroom Rock Trail. The Mushroom Rock Trail skirts the cliffs even further and before long the mushroom shaped rock formation comes into view. This is a beautiful area with the stark red rock cliffs towering and stretching out in front of you.

The trail climbs up the hill to a viewpoint above Mushroom Rock. You can hike down to the rock itself, but use extreme caution especially when the trail is snowy and icy. Looking down on Mushroom Rock with Mt. Sopris towering in the distance is worth the effort. The trail continues past the viewpoint as either the Skeeters Ridge or the Blue Ribbon Trails up towards the forested summit of Red Hill. You can make a short loop by following the Blue Ribbon Trail and coming back on Skeeters Ridge or continue on either trail for a longer day.

On the way back down from Mushroom Rock, you can either take the Ruthie’s Run Trail or take a short detour on the Blue Ribbon Trail. The Blue Ribbon Trail will link back to the Ruthie’s Run Trail or you can take the Three Gulch Trail back to the Trailhead for a little variety.

All in all, Mushroom Rock is a quick hike with decent elevation gain and stunning views. I’ve driven past this trailhead on the way to Aspen many times and it is definitely worth stoping and exploring. The trail gets a lot of sun and sits at a lower elevation than the surrounding mountains making this a good hike year round. Bring along some microspikes if you hike it in the winter.