Nelson's Trail (#672)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail can be accessed from the St. Mary Falls Trail (#624) or Foresters Trail (#701). Other access points are at the end of FSR 381 or FSR 379 (Frosty Park Road). If you choose to use either of these access points, a high clearance vehicle is necessary, or you can park on Gold Camp Rd. and run to the trailhead down either Forest Service Road.

This trail connects St. Mary Falls Trail (#624) with the Pipeline Trail (#668) via Foresters Trail (#701) and is the main passageway to the Mount Rosa Summit Trail (#673).

The Nelson's Trail (#672) is a steep steady climb that is heavily rooted, rutted, and rocky on both sides of the Mount Rosa ridge line. Either way you ascend or descend requires careful footing to ensure hips, knees, ankles and feet remain uninjured. The trail carries travelers through heavily forested areas and to almost 11,000 feet where at time a glimpse of a spectacular view can be had.

Mule Deer and Monarch Butterfly. Timbers include spruce, aspen, and mixed pine. Tansy Asters, Purple Asters and Yellow Violets are among the wildflowers.