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Description
Miners Gulch is a rewarding 4x4 trail adventure located in the historic mining district near Central City and Black Hawk, Colorado, often explored as part of the larger Yankee Hill trail network. This loop trail takes you deep into the Arapaho National Forest, offering a journey through dense timber with sections that can be narrow and require careful maneuvering. Prepare for a classic Colorado off-road experience with plenty of rocky terrain, including a notable steep and rocky hill climb (sometimes called Miners Hill or 'the step') that will test your vehicle and driving skills. The trail also features creek crossings that can be particularly active with water flowing down the roadbed during spring snowmelt. While challenging, Miners Gulch provides scenic forest views and a connection to the area's rich mining past. It's best suited for lightly modified 4x4s with good clearance and tires.
Directions
Miners Gulch can be run as a loop, often connected with the Yankee Hill trail system. Access is typically near the historic mining towns of Black Hawk or Central City, Colorado.
North End Access (starting near Mosquito Gulch/North Clear Creek, generally considered the more challenging direction uphill): From Black Hawk, CO, head northwest on Colorado Hwy 119 for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto County Road 4-S (Apex Valley Road). Follow Apex Valley Road for 3.8 miles. Turn left onto 12 Mile Road/Mosquito Creek Road. Follow Mosquito Creek Road for 1.3 miles to a left turn that crosses the creek. This is the bottom of the Miners Gulch loop.
South End Access (starting from Yankee Hill area): From Black Hawk, CO, head southwest on Gregory Street for 0.6 miles. Gregory Street turns slightly left and becomes Lawrence Street. After 0.5 miles, continue on Eureka Street for 0.5 miles and turn right to stay on Eureka Street. After 0.3 miles, continue onto County Road 3/Upper Apex Road. After 0.4 miles, take a slight left at Columbine Campground Road. After 1.1 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 739.1 and go 1.6 miles. Turn right onto Pisgah Lake Road. After 1.0 mile, turn left onto Yankee Hill Trail (often FR175.1). After 0.9 miles, turn right onto Miners Gulch Road (often FR709).
Difficulty
Miners Gulch offers a moderate to difficult challenge, typically rated around a 6 out of 10. The trail is narrow in many sections, winding through dense forest with limited places to pass oncoming vehicles. Expect plenty of rocky sections, including a significant rocky step or hill climb (sometimes referred to as Miners Hill) that includes larger rocks and requires careful tire placement. The trail can be very wet in the spring due to snowmelt runoff, with water sometimes flowing down the trail bed itself, and includes creek crossings. A lightly modified 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance, larger tires, and potentially a lift is recommended. Some sources describe it as starting hard with rock gardens and tight trees, especially if run uphill from the Mosquito Gulch end.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- Motorcycle
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