Walrod Cutoff Trail 418 (Caves Loop)

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This trail, commonly called The Caves Loop, is a short non-motorized rugged hike in Cement Creek. It has very steep climbs and descents, and is quite smooth.

Hike up Cement Creek Road 740 (6 1/2 miles south of Crested Butte, off HWY 135.) Pass Trail 409/ Caves Trail and parking area and the Cement Creek Cabins turnoff. Turn left on a flat singletrack signed only with a user sign, 2.3 miles up CR 740. Follow it to Walrod Gulch Road, just over 1/2 mile. (Stay left at the fork in the singletrack.) Turn left and climb Walrod Gulch Road. Turn right 8/10's of a mile up this road on Trail 418, Walrod Cutoff. This singletrack continues to climb and then contours back above Cement Creek Road.

In less than two miles, the trail tops out at an intersection with Trail 409 that comes in on the right. (Trail 409 is a rugged trail that joins Farris Creek Road and then Brush Creek Road.) For the Walrod Cutoff trail continue straight (or left.) There are great views along the way before you dive back down to Cement Creek Road on the steep switchback descent. Right on the road takes you back to the highway.