White River National Forest, Near Carbondale, Colorado
West Elk Stock Driveway #2152 does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
The West Elk Stock Driveway parallels the Cherry Creek Trail as both routes descend from Forest Road 819 to the bottom of the Buford-New Castle Road. The northern half of the Stock Driveway winds through stands of spruce and aspen with a gentle grade and smooth, wide tread. This is an excellent location to view autumn aspen colors. The southern half of the trail travels through oak brush and pinyon juniper while offering good views of the surrounding foothills. This southern section is rougher, steeper, and harder to navigate in certain places; riders should traverse this area with caution, especially when grazing animals are present on the forest. The West Elk Stock Driveway ends at an intersection with the Cherry Creek trail. From here, travel another 0.4 miles south to the Buford-New Castle Road.
The West Elk Stock Driveway provides several interesting loop opportunities with the Cherry Creek and Mansfield Ditch Trails. At 0.6 miles south of FR-819, the Stock Driveway intersects with a short connector trail that leads down into the Cherry Creek drainage. Another intersection is located at 2.0 miles; from here, follow the Cherry Creek Connector (#2256.1A) 1.4 miles east to Cherry Creek. From this intersection with Cherry Creek, visitors can follow an additional connector trail 0.5 miles east to the Mansfield Ditch.
The West Elk Stock Driveway is open to mountain bikes, horses, and hikers.
View the Recreation Opportunity Guide for the West Elk Stock Driveway (.pdf).