The strange, tortured beauty of these trees grows in the mind as one walks among them, sensing the character in their twisted shapes and the wind-blasted grain of the exposed wood
This trail runs between Fourmile and Horseshoe Campgrounds, a distance of just under 1.5 miles. Near its high point (10,900 ft), it passes through a small grove of ancient limber and Bristlecone pine "character" trees. From either end, the trail makes a fairly gentle ascent up timbered slopes to Limber Grove. The grove is much closer to the west end of the trail, so Fourmile is the usual access.
At first glance, some people might not be too impressed by this little patch of scraggly timber. However, as one looks closer, it becomes clear that these are not ordinary trees. These are old trees.
Most of the trees here are limber pines (longer, tufted needles) with some Bristlecone pines (shorter needles with white flecks of pitch and a "foxtail, appearance).
Rocky, dry ground; high altitude, a short winter, and screaming winter winds all combine to dictate that life in limber grove is short and hard for the weak and not very long even for the strong. But for the indomitable, the possessors of a life force perhaps beyond human understanding, life in the limber grove has spanned many centuries. These are "the old ones," the larger of the trees you see before you.
The strange, tortured beauty of these trees grows in the mind as one walks among them, sensing the character in their twisted shapes and the wind-blasted grain of the exposed wood. Even the trees that have finally fallen victim to fire or old age will sometimes stand for centuries more, seemingly defying death itself.
At this writing, we are not yet sure how old these trees are. That some of them are 1,000 years old. or more is a pretty good guess.
Needless to say, the trees of Limber Grove, by their very survival, have earned the most respectful treatment we can accord them. The cutting or breaking of a single branch, root or needle - dead or alive - would be an insult to the trees and to those who might enjoy them in centuries to come.
Please do not damage or remove the slightest part of any of these trees, whether dead or alive, standing or down.
Thanks for taking good care of Limber Grove and enjoy your hike!
Travel 1.4 miles south of Fairplay on US 285. Turn right on County Rd 18 (Fourmile Rd) and proceed 9.4 miles to a point approx. 200 feet beyond the access road to Fourmile Campground. Park on the south side of the road.
You can also click on the marker on the map to get Google directions to the trailhead.
Vertical Profile:
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