Situated on the west side of Colorado Highway 119 between the quaint little towns of Nederland and Rollinsville this short spur in the West Magnolia Network used to lead to the old townsite of Phoenix, which is now closed at private property. It still boasts a beautiful little lake, although the lake itself is private and not open to public use (including fishing). There are also a couple of nice campsites along the way. The West Magnolia Network includes hiking, mountain biking, and 4x4 trails. Like much of the Colorado Front Range, the area is rich in mining history and abundant in scenic beauty. These easy-to-moderate off-road trails in the area can provide a quick outing or be strung together to make a whole day or more of fun in the woods. Its proximity to the Denver area and ease of access make it popular for day trips or short weekend jaunts.
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Go south from Nederland on Colorado Highway 119 for about two miles. Magnolia Road crosses the highway. Turn right onto West Magnolia Road. Follow West Magnolia Road for 1.4 miles to Waypoint 5, Turn left onto Forest Service Road 355.1 (Observatory). Run Observatory in its entirety. Turn right onto the Rollinsville trail and follow it for 2.1 miles to Waypoint 10. Turn left onto 105.1A to begin Phoenix.
Alternatively, Go to Rollinsville. Turn west on Moffat Tunnel Road (AKA Tolland Road). Take Moffat Road for 0.9 miles. Turn right onto 105 (Rollinsville) and follow it 0.9 miles to Waypoint 10. Turn right onto 105.1A to begin Phoenix.
We took this trail to check out Ekholt Lake. It's a pretty little lake. Signs posted saying it's a private lake. There is one big obstacle across the trail. It looks like a partially buried steel beam. Some lower vehicles might find this a challenge to cross.
Per the National Forest Service: FORT COLLINS, Colo (Nov. 9, 2020) – More forest closures are being lifted across the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests as all Stage 3 restrictions are rescinded beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Closures will remain in place around areas that experienced wildfire in Grand, Boulder and Larimer counties. These fire areas present a public safety threat as burned trees can fall unexpectedly, hot spots are still burning, and new hazards can be hidden under snow.
Due to extreme fire danger the Ntional Forest Service has temporarily closed all National Forest land in Clear Creek, Jefferson, Gilpin, Boulder, and Larimer counties.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD831612
Fun short trail up to a great secluded camping spot. Listen to the Private Property signs and stick on trail.
I camped right next to the lake, will definitely be bringing my wife up there as its such a short trip to entrance of the trail and a short 4x4 network.
I only took US Forest road 105, didn't venture off into any of the others except to park the rig for the night at lakeside camping area.
Only reason its not 5 stars, is the lack of views and length.
Trail was in great shape and a piece of cake in my '89 3" Lifted 33's Land Cruiser.
My wife, Missy, doesn't like it when I go mapping on my own, so I talked her into joining me in attempting to complete the West Magnolia area on Sunday, August 11, 2019. The weather did not cooperate and we aere only able to get 3 of the 5 remaining trails done before the rain was bad enough to make taking quality pictures difficult (as well as miserable). Phoenix was the first we did and the weather was still good. This is a very pretty area and worth a little side trip off of Rollinsville if you are running it anyway. This is probably not a destination trail in and of itself.
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Bill is an off-road enthusiast with nearly 30 years of 'wheeling experience. At one time he had a streak of about 20 years of 4-wheeling at least once a month. He likes anything from easy, dirt roads to difficult trails but stops short of extreme. Over the years he has traveled over 700 different trails, mostly in Colorado and Utah. He loves finding and exploring new areas and sharing his knowledge with others. He has been the coordinator of Calvary 4-Wheelers for many years.
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