West Elk Trailhead
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.
West Elk Trailhead
The West Elk Trailhead is a year-round parking area for motorized and non-motorized recreational activities. The trailhead is located along Forest Road 245 (Buford-New Castle Road) approximately 7.5 miles north of the Forest boundary. The parking area has room for several dozen passenger vehicles and trailers. During the summer, the West Elk Trailhead serves as the southern access point for Motorized Trail #2290 (also known as the Buford-New Castle Parallel Trail). During the winter, the trailhead is one of the access points to the Flattops snowmobile trail system, providing parking for snowmobilers who wish to follow the Buford-New Castle Road. The trailhead also provides parking for the West Elk non-motorized trail system, which is located immediately east of the parking area. Recreational opportunities in this area are provided through partnerships with a number of local organizations. The White River Trail Runners provide maintenance and stewardship of Trail #2290, while the Rifle Snowmobile Club grooms the Buford-New Castle Road for snowmobiling. West Elk Trails, Inc. (WETI) maintains the cross country ski trails to the east of the trailhead.
Before you go
Fees
No fee
Restrictions
Please note that OHVs are not allowed on the Buford-New Castle Road . • November 23rd to May 20th -snowmobiles are permitted to use the Buford-New Castle road during winter travel management as snow conditions allow.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.