Gunn Ranch Road Ski Tour

The Gunn Ranch Road is an alternate route to reach Rendezvous Pass and offers some of the best scenery of any of the cross country tours in the Methow Valley Trail system. Start the tour at the end of the plowed road at Gunn Ranch. Plan on a steady gradual climb for the first stretch of the tour and a speedy return on the way back.

This is the steepest part of the climb and a great place to pick up some speed on your way down. It is shaded all winter so the snow is cold and fast in this stretch.

This ridge line section overlooks the valley below with outstanding views in either direction. From here on out, the climb is steady and not as steep as the initial section.

As you climb higher, the Ponderosa pines are widely spaced in this gorgeous forest. The blue sky, deep sienna colors of the pine bark with evergreen limbs come together make it a celebration of the colors of winter here.

The trail junction marks the point where you can continue to Rendezvous Pass or the Grizzly Hut. If you have a dog, you can only take the trail to Rendezvous Pass, and not the other trails that are for skiers (i.e. no pets) only.

If this is your midpoint, turn around and cruise the road all the way back to the start of the tour. It is a fast ski with great skating or track skiing based on your preference.

After your fast run down there is a short climb just after you reach Gunn Ranch that takes you back to the trailhead.