Vail Pass Commando Run

The Commando Run route is named for the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division soldiers who used the route for training.  It follows the gentle Shrine Pass Road (Forest Rd 709). Then traverses the top of the Vail Mountain ski resort. The trail passes Ptarmigan Point and eventually drops down into the town of Minturn following Game Creek. The final mile and a half is on road to the parking lot by I-70.

This route requires a car shuttle or a long pedal back up the I-70 bike trail through the town of Vail and back up to Shrine Pass. Mountain Bike Bill has a good route description to Minturn.

Also a good Nordic Ski route in the winter.  Cripple Creek Bike & Backcountry has a good ski route description

Alternate Titles:

Vail Pass to Vail Village - One way trip up from Vail Pass. Follow Shrine Mtn Rd (#709.1) to Mt of the Holy Cross Overlook TH then continue straight onto Bowman's Shortcut Trail (#2133), to Mill Creek Trail (#2004)  to town - 15.35 miles, +3060' gain and -5473' descent.

Vail Pass to Town of Minturn - One way trip up from Vail Pass, over the top of Vail Mountain Resort and then dropping down into the town of Minturn.  Follow Shrine Mtn Rd (#709.1) to Mt of the Holy Cross Overlook TH to Red Benchmark at 11,801' elev. Pass Ptarmigan Point and Lionshead to Cougar Ridge and Game Creek Trails, to the Game Creek TH.  From there drop into the town of Minturn - 24 miles, +2600' gain and -5600' descent.

Starting elevation is 10,800', maximum elevation is 11,700'.

• Suitable Activities: Backcountry Nordic Skiing, Biking
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• High Point: 11,700 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District (WRNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 7
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12