Pennsylvania Creek is one of several drainages in the Breckenridge area that lie to the west of Hoosier Ridge, a part of the Continental Divide.
This week’s tour starts in the town of Blue River and ends in a spectacular bowl – Horseshoe Basin – nestled under Red Peak and Red Mountain.
With acres of moderate terrain, Horseshoe Basin offers open bowls and tree glades for those with telemarking skills. When conditions permit, there are also possibilities for steeper runs.
Note that you may encounter snowmobiles on this outing.
Hike description
From the trailhead, start up the jeep trail as it heads initially northwest. After 100 yards, there is a trail junction (Waypoint “Trail junction”). Either turn right on a shortcut and climb steeply or continue straight and follow the gentler option as it almost immediately makes its own sharp turn to the right and rejoins the shortcut in a couple of hundred yards. The trail climbs gradually to the southeast then south through evergreens, following the jeep road, occasionally passing through clearings affording views up and down valley. Turn around and enjoy the views of Pacific and Crystal peaks, across the Blue River Valley in the Tenmile Range.
As you gain altitude, look for open slopes to the east of the trail. While these slopes can be sun-crusted, when in shape they often provide good skiing. However, the best slopes lie ahead!
After 3 miles, Pennsylvania Creek gradually starts to turn to the right (southwest) in front of the windswept slopes of Red Peak and enters Horseshoe Basin in 3.5 miles, a fine destination for the day.
If you are so inclined, explore the moderate slopes of the basin. When conditions permit, some of the finest powder can be had here – true “hero snow.” It is possible to traverse along the treed slopes above and to the west of the trail on the way back, choosing either glades or tighter trees to eventually descend to the trail.
The run back down the trail doesn’t take long, though novice skiers may be challenged by the choppy conditions created by snowmobiles.
On the way down, take a look at the east ridge of Pacific Peak, a good summer scramble.
Dave Cooper is the author of “Colorado Scrambles: A Guide to 50 Select Climbs in Colorado’s Mountains.”
The details
Getting to the trailhead
From the last traffic light at the southern edge of Breckenridge (the intersection with Boreas Pass Road), drive 3.6 miles south on Colorado 9. Turn left (east) onto Blue River Road and drive approximately two-tenths of a mile to Royal Drive (the third road on the right). Turn right on Royal and drive a little more than one-tenth of a mile to the second junction with Regal Circle. Turn right on Regal Circle and drive one-tenth of a mile to the junction with Coronet Drive. Turn left on Coronet Drive and follow it to the plowed parking area, a total of 1.1 miles from Colorado 9.
Blue River Road also can be reached by driving 6 miles north from Hoosier Pass on Colorado 9.
Hike statistics
The trail gains 1,400 feet in 3.4 miles (one way).
Difficulty: Intermediate skiing skills may be required to negotiate the lower part of the trail, depending on conditions. Intermediate to advanced skiing opportunities exist in the bowls near the end of the trail. Snowshoers will have no difficulty with this gentle trail.
USGS Quads: Breckenridge, Colo.
