Taylor Pass - Gunnison / Pitkin Counties - Colorado - 11,928 feet
Gunnison / Pitkin County
Express Creek to west. Taylor River to east.

Between Ashcroft and Taylor Park.
FR-122 (FR-15C, Express Creek Road) on the northwest side. FR-742 and FR-761 on the southeast side.
off-road - dirt bike or dual-sport
Reference: Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, by Charles A. Wells

photos by John Meyer, 10/14/2020

At the summit.

At the summit.

At the summit.

At the summit.

At the summit.

Google Maps

Google Maps

Google Earth

Google Earth

Garmin Mapsource

photos on the route from Difficult Pass to Taylor Pass, by John Meyer, 10/14/2020

Between Difficult and Taylor Passes.

Between Difficult and Taylor Passes.

Between Difficult and Taylor Passes.

Between Difficult and Taylor Passes.

Between Difficult and Taylor Passes.

Between Difficult and Taylor Passes.

Mapbox

Google Earth

Notes from John: Here are the photos of Difficult Pass and an intersection along the way with Taylor Pass included.
It was a beautiful day with the Aspens at their peak.
I parked in a pull-off along Castle Creek Rd (there were several to choose from), unloaded the bike and rode the
loop clockwise. It was easy along Anne's Mine Road until it was time to find Upper Hurricane, which didn't seem to
exist. (Shame on the Aspen/Pitkin County or the Forest Service for not having any of the roads numbered, named or
marked). It was not easy staying on route and I had to double back a few times to make sure I was on the correct
path. Once I found Richmond Hill Road I found it to be a long rough road with a few challenges along the way. (I
would rate it a 3).
Once you crest Richmond Hill the views are terrific and it is easy to spot the left turn needed to go up Gold Hill
and on to Difficult Pass.
After the pass I returned back over Gold Hill where the views to the west were spectacular, especially when I crested
the last hill which gives you a great view of Taylor Pass and a reservoir to the south.
Once at Taylor Pass and more photos I returned down to the north and back to Castle Creek Road and the point of beginning.
It was fun to have the trails to myself that day. I think I only encountered a hunter on a four-wheeler all day.

photos by John Meyer, 9/10/2017

Part of the way on single track.

Intersection of FR-742 and FR-761.

Taylor River Road (FR-742) 5, Gunnison 53, 4WD Only

At the summit.

At the summit. FR-122 to Ashcroft in background.

Express Creek Road (FR-122) to Ashcroft 5.5 Miles

At the summit.

At the summit looking east toward Taylor Park. FR-123 to left, FR-761 to right.

At the summit looking west. FR-761 to left, FR-122 (FR-15C) ahead, FR-123 to right.

Google Maps

Google Maps

Garmin Mapsource

Gunnison - Reno Divide - Spring Creek Pass - Taylor Pass - Pearl Pass- Gunnison

Google Earth, looking north from Taylor Park.

Google Earth, looking northwest, at FR-742 / FR-761 intersection.

Google Earth, looking northwest up FR-761.

Google Earth, looking southeast up Express Creek.

Google Earth, looking east along FR-122 (FR-15C).

Notes from John: As you can see (on the https://rever.co track map) we approached Taylor Pass from the south after doing Reno Divide and Spring Creek Passes.
Then we deviated from the normal Taylor Pass road, (per my brother’s request, thinking it would be easier) onto a single track trail which was, in my opinion,
tougher than the actual pass trail. That is where the photo was taken that shows the rocky incline with our helmets on the rocks indicating we had push the
heavier DR650 through that spot. Another tough spot was climbing over a 36” high fallen tree trunk that had 2-3 logs piled up on either side which enabled us
to proceed. I would recommend doing Taylor Pass from the Aspen (Ashcroft) side on FR-15C.

photos by Deward Knapp, 7/22/2006

Deward Knapp near the summit.

Deward Knapp near the summit.

Along the road.

Along the road.