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A "gravel grind" on 4x4 roads that provides some great views.


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Map Key

6.7

Miles

10.8

KM

87%

Runnable

8,991' 2,741 m

High

8,249' 2,514 m

Low

1,189' 362 m

Up

1,192' 363 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Unknown

Overview

This is a network of 4x4 forest service roads. There are many different ways you can run this, and there is a lot more here than what I have mapped. There are some steep hills and some nice stretches through the forest. This run provides some beautiful scenery, grandiose views and some peaceful tranquility.

Need to Know

Run this trail in the summer and you may have to share it with a jeep or two, no big deal. But, the forest service closes this road for winter to motorized vehicles. Be on the lookout for those awesome Colorado days in the middle of the winter that are 60 degrees and come hit this trail. You'll likely have it to yourself!

Description

Begin at the forest service road gate. There is enough room at the gate for two or three cars to park. Be respectful as there is a private residence right next to the gate. You'll start off nice and easy for about 100 yards and then be greeted with a tough uphill climb right off the bat. Don't let it get you discouraged, it's not too long. Once you're up there the road flows pretty well.

There are many choices for how to run this network of roads. All the roads interconnect in such a way that it is possible to create multiple loops and figure eights. You need to be somewhat wary as not every road can be used for looping. Some of them are short spurs that lead to dead-end camp sites. If you follow one of those, no biggie, turn around and go back.

The northernmost section of this road provides the most spectacular views looking west over the Estes Park valley and into Rocky Mountain National Park. This section of the road also passes through "the Notch" which is a major outcropping of boulders.

If you're into this sort of thing, you can multi-task. Get in some good running as well as find a few geocaches!

Contacts

Shared By:

Jared Crockett

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 6 votes

#6

in Estes Park

#2590

Overall
  4.5 from 6 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Estes Park

#404

in Colorado

#2,590

Overall
17 Views Last Month
5,298 Since Mar 10, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
0%
75%
25%
0%

Photos

Yeah, you're cruising along having a good time, but don't forget to take a second and appreciate where we live!
Mar 10, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
One of the steeper hills, mostly once the road goes into those trees across the clearing.
Mar 10, 2015 near Estes Park, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 22 days ago
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