Hiking in Crawford
Young’s Peak Trail
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This trail begins at the firehouse parking lot (1 ½ blocks east of the Crawford Community Church). The trail takes you to the top of Young’s Peak (known locally as “C” Hill) on the north side of town. This expedition is worth the 45 minutes to one hour that you will spend climbing.The trail is somewhat steep and not always well marked, but rest your legs and lungs often and you will be handsomely rewarded for your effort. The view from the top is fantastic.
Excellent vistas of Needle Rock and the West Elks to the east, the Crawford Reservoir and jagged San Juan Mountains to the South, and Utah to the West. Views are up to 75 miles!
Three recommendations: 1) Go early before it gets too hot! 2) Take water – you’ll need it! 3) Take a camera, you’ll want it! Enjoy the views – not many like this. If you are not up to the hike and have a hardy 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can take the jeep road to the top of the hill. One mile one way. 1000-foot elevation change.
Needle Rock & the Needle Rock Trail
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Needle Rock is the eroded plug of an extinct volcano that rises 700 feet above Missouri Flats about 4 miles east of Crawford.
Needle Rock is the unofficial symbol of Crawford Country, and it is worth the short trip to see it up close. From the parking area on the south side of the spire, a trail leads up as far as one might want to venture on foot.
Beautiful views, but again, take hiking shoes and water. Unless you are foolish or part mountain goat, don’t even think of going all the way to the top! ¼ mile one way. 600-foot elev. change.
Indian Fire Nature Trail
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For one of the most striking photo opportunities in Colorado, take this short one-mile loop on the north side of Crawford Reservoir. Take Hwy. 92 two miles south of town - just past the reservoir - and take a right on Black Canyon Road.