Aberdeen Loop from Bambi Trailhead

While challenging and quite long if you take it from the Bambi Trailhead, this ride rewards with a less crowded experience than further north. 

The name of the loop comes from the nearby Aberdeen Quarry, where there was a short boom from 1889 to 1892 to extract granite primarily for the building of the state’s capitol building. 

It’s possible but not easy to drive in park closer to the main loop. Also note that the Aberdeen Loop itself and all trails south of Powerline Rd are closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles from March 15 to May 15 each year for Gunnison sage-grouse conservation.