Montezuma Basin

Total Miles 5.1
Technical Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map
Montezuma Basin trail photo

Trail Overview

Get your lungs ready for this high mountain ride to 12,700 feet. If you're up for it, there are hiking trails to two 14,000-foot peaks. This rocky route stays above the treeline and provides gorgeous views. Designated camping available. Open May 21 to October 22, depending on snow.

Photos of Montezuma Basin

Difficulty

Difficult. Rating based on one tippy, rocky stretch of narrow shelf road near the top. Most of the road is fairly wide and moderate. Rocky spot after Waypoint 02 can get tougher later in the season. Stock vehicles should have high clearance, low-range gearing and skid plates. Novice drivers may find the last half mile intimidating.

History

The basin above the parking lot operated as a small ski area for about 10 years starting in 1967. It had a vertical drop of just 200 feet and provided late season skiing, sometimes into July. It was primarily used as a racing and training camp. A rope tow serviced the area. Plans for a chair lift never materialized.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

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Matthew Candido
Aug 15, 2025
Open
Good trail. Gx470 2” lift. 33s with roof top tent. Didn’t scrape or hit anything. Off camber spots on the last stretch to top. Uncomfortable tippy in 3 spots but stable and very doable. Will be back.
Dustin Arp
Jul 20, 2025
Open
bruce banner
Jul 20, 2024
Open
Mike Crabb
Jul 01, 2024
Open
Snow across trail at about 12600 feet elevation. See the attached trail map - position indicated is location of the snow.

Montezuma Basin Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Montezuma Basin Map

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