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Old Four Mile

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 8131 - 8466 feet
Cellphone: 0-1 bars
Time: 2 hrs. 15 mins.
Trailhead: Sunlight Mountain
Fee: none
Attractions: Multi-use trail




The Old Four Mile Road trail is located in the Sunlight Mountain Resort Nordic Area in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The groomed trail, which is part of the 29 kilometers of cross country and snowshoe trails that are free to the public, begins at the north end of the base area parking lot. From there it follows the Old Four Mile Road as it climbs moderately up the canyon through a forest of aspen and conifers until it reaches a backcountry cabin in Sunshine Meadow.


The Sunlight Mountain Resort is about 10 miles up the 4 Mile Road, Highway 117, from Glenwood Springs. After parking near the north end of the base parking lot follow the trail that begins near the Sunlight Stables.


Old Four Mile starts out with a moderate climb up a wide groomed trail. The climb eases off a little as the trail progresses.


After a short distance another trail that crosses a gully branches off on the right.


Part of the trail passes through a section of private property that starts at the intersection of the unmarked Holiday Hill trail.


From there the trail continues climbing along the side of the mountain on the south side of the Fourmile Creek drainage.


Near the halfway point the Little Beaver trail connects on the left while the Sunshine Connector departs on the right.


Just before the trail ends there is a backcountry cabin and porta-potty in Sunshine Meadows. Behind the cabin is the top of the Sunshine trail which is an ungroomed route that follows the bottom of the drainage back down to the resort. There was a time when the cabin could be rented but at the time we were there it was being lived in.


Another hundred feet or so past the cabin the Old Four Mile trail ends. The road itself continues but now as the Williams trail. Branching off on the left at this point is the Babbish trail. Those that would like to venture further into the area can create a nice 2 mile loop out of the Williams and Babbish trails.



Once you make it back to the base area you can take the opportunity to enjoy some warm food and beverages at the resort. Maps and current trail conditions are available at Guest Services and for those that don't have their own cross country skis or snowshoes you can rent them before leaving town at the Sunlight Mountain Ski and Bike Shop at 309 9th Street. From the parking lot attendants to the folks in Guest Services we were always refreshingly greeted by the friendliest and most helpful people. The Old Four Mile trail is a great option with enough uphill for a nice workout that rewards your effort with an all downhill glide on the return trip. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.