Marble Gap Trail

Overview

There are three parts to this trail. The first part is the 0.8-mile climb to Marble Gap. This trail is the shortest route to the Marble Rim, so it is quite popular, even though it becomes very steep near the gap. Along the climb, there are scattered stands of trees that provide welcome shade, but also many open areas of meadows and marble rocks. There are close-up views of Marble Mountain's white (or very light blue) cliffs, along with great views of Black Marble Mountain and the entire rim. It looks like it would not require rock climbing skills to scramble up almost to the top of Black Marble Mountain, starting from about half-way up the Marble Gap Trail. Black Marble's final summit block may be more difficult. <br><br>For the second part, the trail continues past Marble Gap descending slowly until it reaches a point near the end of the ridge that runs perpendicular to the back side of Marble Mountain. From there, you have superb views of the rugged back side of Marble Mountain and the Marble Rim. In the opposite direction, there are sweeping views of Elk Peak and on down Rainy Valley. <br><br>For the last part, the trail descends very steeply through a thick forest down to Rainy Creek. I found much of the trail either overgrown or covered with fallen trees and dead branches. It was impossible to follow. However, a CCC trail maintenance crew was working on the the second part of the trail (described above) and planning to continue down to Rainy Creek. They should complete this maintenance before August 2017. <br><br>The trail passes near a large meadow surrounded by the very steep walls of the Marble Rim. However, much of the meadow was covered with thick, head-high plants and there were plenty of mosquitoes. There is a grassy area on the southwest side of the meadow that would be very beautiful.<br><br>If you are starting from Rainy Creek and doing the Marble Gap Trail in the opposite direction, carry plenty of water. It is hot and there is no water beyond the stream crossing at about 5100 feet. I did not see

Trail Stats

Photos

High on Marble Gap Trail. They call it white marble, but in this area it is actually a beautiful shade of light blue.

High on Marble Gap Trail. They call it white marble, but in this area it is actually a beautiful shade of light blue.

CCC camp in Marble Valley. They will stay here for a week or two doing trail maintenance, and then move to another location. There were several more tents outside of the picture and lots of heavy hand tools.

CCC camp in Marble Valley. They will stay here for a week or two doing trail maintenance, and then move to another location. There were several more tents outside of the picture and lots of heavy hand tools.

The rugged back side of Marble Mountain. Black Marble Mountain sticks up on the left.

The rugged back side of Marble Mountain. Black Marble Mountain sticks up on the left.

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