Fourmile Area: Spanish Mills

4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Buena Vista, Colorado (Chaffee County)
Last Updated: 05/08/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

This trail winds back and forth over small washes with magnificent views of the 14,000' Collegiate Peaks before dropping into a sandy wash at a place known as Spanish Mills. Spanish Mills is the name locals have given this route as there is an old arrastra site (an arrastra is a primitive mill for grinding and pulverizing (typically) gold or silver ore) just down stream from where this trail crosses Fourmile Creek. Spanish Mills was built by area miners in the early 1900s and was later named after the mine operation was abandoned. Please respect private property in this area as the mine and old mill site sit on a patented mining claim. Spanish Mills is a connector trail which ends where the Lenhardy Cut-Off trail and the Natural Bridge trail begin.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (10)
600
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Not a hard trail by any means, but several of the "whoops" could be problematic for low clearance vehicles or longer wheelbases. Trail was populated with ATVs and OHVs. A few steep inclines but this part of the trail was certainly easier before the "Natural Bridge" trail that follows.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/17/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Out for a day in the Four Mile area, this was the first trail. Lots of activity with OHVs and bicycles as well as vehicles. Stream is easily done, wasn't deep at all. Just a nice fun run on a dry trail.
Official Crew
32850
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/08/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Totally dry on the trail. Creek is running shallow.
2300
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/07/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Easy trail and a nice break from some of the rockier terrain you’ll usually see off-roading. If you’re used to over landing rougher trails but want to bring your less experienced friends this is a great area for large groups to camp. Light duty SUVs should have no problem and there are a few decent camp spots that sedans and 2wd cars can access in dry conditions.
Official Crew
32850
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/27/2020

National Public Lands Day cleanup project with Stay the Trail and CORE. Trail is dry and dusty.

From the Community

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