Devil's Canyon

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4.5/5 (94 reviews)
Idaho Springs, Colorado (ClearCreek County)
Last Updated: 06/19/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Camping Category Icon Camping
Forest Category Icon Forest
Rock Category Icon Rock
Devil's Canyon off-road trail is one of the gems close to Denver, Colorado. The trail is relatively easy and gives you a great taste of what mountain terrain is like in that low 10,000-foot level ecosystem. You experience dense forests, mixed with pine and aspen, which are all intermittently separated by open grassy areas making for great dispersed camping opportunities. This is a great four-wheel drive trail for anyone seeking an easier trail with mountain scenery, or merely a quick adventure.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Mostly a dirt and cobble road. Narrow in spots with limited passing due to the trees. As described here, the trail is a lollipop loop utilizing Forest Service Road 246.1 and 246.1A where the loop portion can be driven in any direction. As soon as you leave Highway 103, the trail begins climbing some mild switchbacks. Mileage is notated the entire length beginning at Highway 103 and ending at Highway 103.

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (94)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/22/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

I ran this trail with my son in his '01 4Runner. This was the first true trail he drove since buying the truck, and we had an absolute blast. I think the trail was harder than advertised, which didn't bother us. We aired down to 25 psi at the start of the loop (waypoint 2). The trail was pretty easy up to the meadow. Beyond the meadow (waypoint 4, the trail got a bit narrow with branches needing to be pushed aside as we drove On the loop between waypoints 7 and 8 were some pretty rough and steep sections that definitely challenged both driver and rig. Thankfully, the 4Runner has a 2" lift, LSD, and winch. We almost had to winch ourselves up a steep section of loose rock and dirt. This was a real challenge for my son, being a new driver. He was a bit too timid to muscle through the obstacles, so I took the wheel and got us out of it. Too much fun!! It was a great test of the truck's capabilities. This spot definitely proved the need for higher clearance and a shorter wheelbase. We got through the bulk of the loop and stopped at the open meadow for lunch. After lunch we started the last climb to waypoint 13; what they called the rough section. I think that title was putting it a bit mildly. Not sure how long ago the original description was written, but when we ran the trail this section was very rutted and rocky. The trail continued to test my son's driving skills, but by this point in the trail, he had much more confidence and he was able to get up the steep rocky stuff with my spotting. It was another great test of the 4Runner. I highly recommend this trail, especially for beginners trying to get experience 4-wheeling.
Open
Visited: 10/07/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

I have a stock suv with high ground clearance and 33's. And a little bit more than that it at handle.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/29/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Had some time before my Mount Evans timed entry, so thought I would run up to the Lookout at Waypoint 6 for some pictures. Initial climb was rough, but doable with my '21 GC Trailhawk. Turned around there to cut over from 5 to 12 and go back to the entrance via that route, so I didn't do the larger part of the loop. Between 5 and 12 is a long large puddle, deeper than expected, so I was happy I was running in max off-road height. When I started up to 13, it looked more challenging than I was comfortable with, going from "rough" to genuine "obstacles". Like the reviewer said below, expect teeter-tottering. When I backed up to turn around and exit the way I came, did a nice tripod (had to get pics). Definitely a fun trail with good views. A nice prequel to Mount Evans so you can feel you've accomplished more than the mini-vans you meet at the top.
Trail Review: Devil's Canyon - Paul Williams
Trail Review: Devil's Canyon - Paul Williams
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Open
Visited: 08/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Good easy trail, there's an area of whoops that aren't mentioned, that was the funnest part for me. Recommend this for beginners.
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7600
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 07/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Area between waypoints 7 and 9 have large ruts.

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