Yankee Hill Summit Climb

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4.6/5 (34 reviews)
Idaho Springs, Colorado (Clear Creek County)
Last Updated: 06/06/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

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Camping Category Icon Camping

Situated in the Arapaho National Forest and close to Denver, Colorado, the Yankee Hill 4X4 network is filled with many four-wheel drive trails, but Yankee Hill itself is the crown jewel. While many refer to the area as Yankee Hill, this is the actual summit that gives you the thrill of a moderate hill climb along with incredible high-altitude views, including James Peak, Mt. Bancroft, and Mount Evans.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

The Yankee Hill Summit Climb is a short loop route that can be run in either direction. To take the uphill approach, start at where 175.1 and 175.3H meet. The uphill climb is steep with loose rock and then turns into a dirt and rocky road. Parts of the road may pinstripe wider full-size rigs. A high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle will do just fine. This is an excellent off-road trail for either beginners or those just looking to escape the city. This route is described taking the trail uphill and counterclockwise.

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (34)
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500
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

All I can say is the pictures don't do it justice to how steep it is. I tried to take the left line and realized there was a large exposed rock with a lot of erosion that I didnt think I could make it over. I stopped and loss momentum then I tried to turn around and about flipped the truck (as it was sliding sideways balancing on two wheels). I managed to get my traction boards out and with careful spotting I was able to turn around. If I did this again I think I'd take the middle line and if I got stuck I'd go down straight backwards.
Trail Review: Yankee Hill Summit Climb - chad
Trail Review: Yankee Hill Summit Climb - chad
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The hill climb on this trail was very fun and the views at the top were awesome. The trail was dry with no snow, but very rocky. We did the left side of the hill climb no problem with a stock Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in 4L.
Trail Review: Yankee Hill Summit Climb - Tarah Christy
Trail Review: Yankee Hill Summit Climb - Tarah Christy
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2100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Traveling counter-clockwise this rocky trail is fun with great views. The incline from way-point 1 to 2 is the most compelling part of this spur. I did the left side without lockers but in 4-wheel low. Like the majority of Yankee Hill – this is very rocky.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/10/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Had snow at the peak in the early afternoon after a small snowstorm and a bunch of small, soft, pea-sized hail. I have a modified 5th Gen 4Runner and we had a Rubicon on 35s - no issues. A stock 4Runner and Gladiator joined us with no issues. Everyone took the right-line on the hill climb with no issues.
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15450
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Took the middle line up the hill and had no problems. Nice view from the top followed by a longer drive around the loop back to the bottom.
Trail Review: Yankee Hill Summit Climb - Josh Spring
Trail Review: Yankee Hill Summit Climb - Josh Spring
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