Trail Overview

This loop consists of Forest Service roads 323 and 324 which meet on the east side of the loop; the loop is continuous, and the numbers can be confusing. The trail surface is decomposed granite, which can erode easily and cause deep erosion cuts. Where the trail crosses the north-facing slopes, it can retain snow and ice and be very slick, with some exposure if you were to slide off the trail. Standing water is common after rain and snowmelt and can be deeper than it looks. There are several dead-end spurs and nice hiking in the area. A quartz rock quarry is on the left, just before FR 324.B, and can test your 4WD. Animals abound in this area, including deer, elk, turkey, and bear. The area created by the loop is a great place to explore on foot.

Photos of Winding Stairs-Ice Cave Loop

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Difficulty

There are some steep and occasionally rain-washed inclines or declines. There's potential for water crossing and snow in the spring and fall.

Technical Rating

Andrew W

Apr 18, 2026

Open

Kevin Bice

Mar 24, 2026

Open

No one really on the back side of the trail but did see some parked at the front. Great trail a little ice but not bad. Easily passable.

John Cook

Jan 04, 2026

Open

Dylan Cornett

Dec 25, 2025

Open

Trail was open just one downed tree I was able to get around. Made it through in my F-250 with 4x4

Jack Baltazar

Jun 19, 2025

Open

Grant Vogel

May 24, 2025

Open

Steven Simon

May 10, 2025

Open

Jordan G

Apr 12, 2025

Open

Road was clear for the most part, on the back part of the trail it was still covered in snow and ice which cause a jeep with all seasons to get stuck but otherwise was pretty clear.

Trent Hollis

Feb 10, 2025

Open

I wouldn’t recommend unless you’d like a jeep on 35s or bigger this truck is an f250 on 35s air down no issues until you leave the ruts I fell through about 2 feet of snow. Imagine it’s a beautiful trail in the spring and summer. If you’re planning tackling in a 3/4 ton or bigger definitely want 37s or bigger.

Reiter S

Jan 11, 2025

Open

35" tires were a must at this point in the season, with a three peak rating and deflation. As the season wears on, you'll want bigger tires. Winding Stairs Road is far harder to pass through at the moment as it's been largely untouched since the snow began. We tried and had to recover after about 30 feet. Fun otherwise!

Reiter S

Dec 26, 2024

Open

Snow aplenty on this loop right now, especially in the gulch. Be prepared to deflate tires to 10 psi to negotiate it. Three peak or other snow capable tires HIGHLY recommended. Recovery gear also recommended.

OntheDivide Colorado

Oct 10, 2024

Open

If you’re looking for camping spots, this is not where you’re going to find it. It’s just a big circle. Looks like they may be going to develop camping later, but not at this time. you will find dispersed camping spots on a lot of the other forest service roads but not here.

Miguel S

Jul 12, 2024

Open

easy trail, some areas are getting rutted, but nothing a standard 4x4 would have trouble with

Sunny Harris

Jul 04, 2024

Open

Dillon Weigel

Jun 22, 2024

Open

Neat little scenic route through some dense forest. Lots of switchbacks. Steep grade and loose gravel but not hard at all when dry