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Description
Kingston Peak offers a thrilling high-altitude off-road adventure, climbing to over 12,000 feet along the Continental Divide. This trail provides stunning panoramic views, including sights of James Peak and Loch Lomond. Expect a journey across alpine tundra, with some steep and rocky sections that will challenge your vehicle and driving skills. The route can be driven as a loop or point-to-point, connecting areas like Rollinsville and St. Mary's Glacier/Alice. Due to its elevation, the trail is typically only accessible from mid-July to mid-October, as snow can linger late into the summer and arrive early in the fall. You'll encounter varied terrain, from graded access roads to challenging rock obstacles and potentially loose surfaces. Unlicensed vehicles like ATVs and dirt bikes are often permitted alongside 4x4s. Look out for historic mining remnants and the unique 'Rock House' landmark. Remember to stay on marked trails to protect the fragile tundra environment.
Directions
There are several ways to access the Kingston Peak trail system:
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From the East (Idaho Springs/St. Mary's Glacier area - for the southern/eastern end):
- Take I-70 west from Denver to Exit 238 (Fall River Road), just past Idaho Springs.
- Drive north on Fall River Road (County Road 275) for approximately 8.3 miles to Alice Road on the left (marked by mailboxes).
- Turn left onto Alice Road and proceed west for 0.6 miles.
- Turn hard right uphill onto Harris Drive. Follow a series of quick zigzag turns uphill.
- At the top, once on Hillside Road heading south, look for Hilltop Road on the right after about 1.2 miles from the start of Alice Road. The trail can be started here, heading west to the ridge.
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From the North (Rollinsville/Mammoth Gulch area - for the northern/western end):
- From Rollinsville (accessible via Highway 119 from Nederland or Central City), take County Road 16 (Mammoth Gulch Road) west towards Tolland.
- Just outside Tolland, take County Road 4N (Apex Road) southwest, following signs for Mammoth Gulch.
- Continue on Apex Road/Mammoth Gulch Road to the top of Baltimore Ridge where the road heads east.
- From here, Forest Road 353 (Kingston Peak Road) heads west toward Pile Hill and climbs the west side of Kingston Peak.
Always check current conditions and potential gate closures before heading out, as access can vary seasonally.
Difficulty
Kingston Peak is a moderately challenging trail that will test drivers and their high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. You'll encounter several steep and rocky sections, particularly on hill climbs and descents. Some parts of the trail follow a shelf road which might be intimidating if you're not comfortable with heights and narrow paths with drop-offs. Low-range gearing is highly beneficial, and while an aggressive stock SUV driven by a skilled operator might manage, vehicles with a small lift, larger tires, and underbody protection (skid plates) are better suited for handling the terrain with more confidence. Expect to navigate boulder-sized rocks in places and specific obstacles like 'The Refrigerator' – a large boulder on a steep, loose scree slope that requires careful tire placement. If exploring optional segments like Yankee Hill, be prepared for potentially steep, loose, and moguled runs with rocks, water, and tight turns among trees, which can be particularly challenging for stock vehicles without disconnected sway bars. Overall, be prepared for varied surfaces including tundra, loose rock, and embedded boulders.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- Motorcycle
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Snowmobile
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