Jones Pass is a favorite destination of ours for backcountry skiing. It is located off US 40 on the way to Winter Park just past the semi-ghost twon of Berthoud Falls. After the sign for Berthoud Falls, take the left that is labelled for a mine - it is also labelled as a recreation area. Follow the signs about a 1/2 mile down the road to a snowy parking area, and you are at the start of the Jones Pass area. After just a short way, you have the choice to go left or right. Going left leads up to Jones Pass, and going right leads up a nice valley to somewhere else. Both trails offer many opportunities to go off the trail and make your own way through the valley, and there are many hills on the sides of the trail to climb up and telemark down. The main trails are gentle ones leading up the valleys, and are good for beginners to learn on.

To actually get to Jones Pass, it is a long trek up a switchbacking 4 wheel driver road. Many snowmobiles use this road/area, and you may have a better time breaking trail through the woods. It's hard to get lost, since you would have to climb the sides of the valley and descend into another one to really get somewhere new, but certainly bring a map and compass, and be aware of which way you are heading.