Elk Park Road

Making an important connection from Apex Valley to Mammoth Gulch, northwest of Central City, Elk Park Road links the trails around Oregon Hill and Dakota Hill to Mammoth Gulch and Kingston Peak. Along the way,​ you will find evidence of the area’s rich mining history as you pass the ghost towns of Apex and Nugget. You also pass the old road to American City, although you can no longer take it, and you will see the old stone house standing sentinel in Elk Park. Besides the history, there is plenty of scenery to be enjoyed as you pass through the open valley of Elk Park and are treated to views of the James Peak Wilderness Area to the west and south and the Indian Peaks to the north. Because of its location, you cannot run Elk Park Road as a stand-alone trail. You can combine it with Apex Valley Road and Mammoth Gulch for an easy, scenic drive or use it to connect the Dakota Hill network with Kingston Peak and the Yankee Hill area for an extended adventure.