Neither end of this trail is signed, though flagging tape marks the southern terminus. The route is mentioned by name in a hiking guidebook.1
Length: 0.75 mi
Difficulty: moderate
Condition: terrible
Elevation range: 8560 ft – 8930 ft
The trail is accessible from two locations along the Long Park Road (FR 42D).
The northern terminus is located just past the end of the steepest climb along the Long Park Road from Rustler Park. The modern road makes a sharp bend to the right and the Telephone Line Trail can be seen descending to the left.
The southern terminus is just below the bottom end of Long Park and while it is not immediately obvious right at the junction, green flagging tape marks the beginning of the trail.
Due to the risk of falling trees after the 2011 Horseshoe 2 fire, Rustler Park is currently closed to public access and the road gated, preventing vehicular access to the Long Park area. There is a parking area with restrooms and Crest Trail access just outside the gate. This can be used to reach Bootlegger Saddle, where a small spur trail drops to the Long Park Road halfway between both ends of the Telephone Line Trail.
From the northern terminus, the trail begins quite visibly as an wide roadbed dropping in parallel to the Long Park Road. After 300 feet, it turns sharply to the left and after another 250 feet, angles gradually to the right again. From there it remains largely straight for the remainder of the trail with only a few gradual bends. Keep an eye out for an incredibly tall and thick aspen tree along this trail, as well as a clearing that was once the site of a sawmill.
Last updated November 18, 2013.