Marble, Colorado, and the surrounding area has been a favorite summer hiking destination of mine since the late 1980s. Countless times, without a second thought, I passed an inconspicuous marker on the marble quarry road, until this past summer when I discovered what I’d been missing for decades!

If you are up for a challenging but unforgettable hike, Yule Creek Trail #2083 is a lightly-traveled 10-mile out-and-back trail encompassing everything on one’s “epic” checklist. The trail follows Yule Creek, located in the Raggeds Wilderness, which covers 65,443 acres spanning the Gunnison and White River National Forests. The elevation gain is 2,700 feet, from 9,000 to 11,700.

The first 3/4 mile is quite steep, as you are actually climbing up and over the Yule Marble Quarry just 1/4 mile up the road from the trailhead. The trail then transitions to a milder uphill grade, through rocky forested terrain. Not knowing what to expect, it was a stunning contrast when the trail broke out from thick timber into an astonishing valley. A rocky outcropping was the perfect spot for a lunch break and extended quiet time to soak in the overwhelming view. The trail continues with a brief drop into the valley, crosses the creek (which can be difficult in June and early July high water conditions) and continues through willows, meadows and patches of conifers. Keep your eyes peeled for wild raspberries, moose, red fox, deer, elk, beavers, trout and a variety of birds and raptors.

I recommend hiking Yule Creek Trail late July/early August if you want to take advantage of the spectacular wildflower extravaganza lining the trail and blanketing the valley. Do not attempt to break any speed records on this trail. Slow down, look all around and get up close and personal with the fleeting gift the wildflowers offer — vibrant harebell, sun-loving asters, white columbine, sow parsnip, golden old man on the mountain daisies and deep purple monkshood, to name a few. I found the most challenging part of the hike was having to return to the trailhead. Four-wheel drive is not required and the trail is dog-friendly.

Directions

From Carbondale, travel south on Hwy 133 for 25 miles to the Marble turnoff.
Turn left onto Country Road 3 and continue 7 miles to the town of Marble.
Turn right on 3rd Street (the Yule Marble Quarry road), cross the river and drive 2¾ miles, where you’ll find a wide spot and trail marker on the right.

Originally published in the Summer 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Take A Hike In Marble, Colorado: Yule Creek Trail