Leavenworth Creek Road (AKA McClellan Mountain)

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4.7/5 (74 reviews)
Georgetown, Colorado (Clear Creek County)
Last Updated: 11/30/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Leavenworth Creek Road is an offroad trail within Colorado's stunning Arapaho National Forest that offers an unmatched blend of thrilling adventure, historical richness, and natural beauty. As a well-preserved relic of the Argentine Central Railway, this demanding trail echoes the past, traversing the same steep, rocky terrain once overcome by silver miners' determined trains in the early 20th century. The trail takes wheelers along narrow shelf roads and winding paths, demanding skill and courage but rewarding with unrivaled vistas of the Continental Divide. Peaks such as Grays and Torreys punctuate the horizon, their grandeur a monumental testament to the allure of Colorado's wilderness. An adventure on the McClellan Mountain trail is not just an off-roading challenge but a journey through time, with the mesmerizing backdrop of the state's historic mining past and the breathtaking landscapes making it a genuine Colorado experience.


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (74)
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Official Crew
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127550
Impassable
Visited: 11/30/2023

These trails are at a high altitude and are impassable until next season!
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Official Crew
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127550
Partially Open
Visited: 10/14/2023

The season's first real snowstorm has moved through the Colorado High Country, and the daytime temps are not low enough to melt the storms anymore. This trail should be considered only partially open at it's lower altitudes and may be dangerous if you encounter snow, if not impassable, until Spring.
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1700
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 09/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great relief to leave the crowds behind on Guanella! We only ran this to way point 10. It was late in the day, and we were tired but really enjoyed the trail. The first quarter mile or so is definitely the gate keeper! We came across a Lexus SUV backing down it when we arrived, and another SUV and small truck backing down it when we came back. There were plenty of Aspens to keep it interesting and one of the first campsites has a great location next to the creek. Our favorite part was actually the final designated campsite - way point 9- someone fashioned a table and bench at the lowest point and if you walk out through the brush you are rewarded with an amazing view. Hope to return next year and complete it.
Trail Review: Leavenworth Creek Road (AKA McClellan Mountain) - Jessica H
Trail Review: Leavenworth Creek Road (AKA McClellan Mountain) - Jessica H
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran this one today along with Argentine. Made for a long day, but wow! What great scenery! There are not a lot of pullouts near the top, so timing is a key. Thanks to the young man in the white Cherokee that backed up about a quarter mile to let our group through. He did well, and it was very much appreciated...
Trail Review: Leavenworth Creek Road (AKA McClellan Mountain) - Doug MacDougall
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/04/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This trail is always a lot of fun. The hardest part is right at the beginning with a few step spots and some rocks to navigate through but it's not awful and I've done it in my jeep and my subaru without issues. The trail was a little wet because it had rained but not much and I think it just made the trail better to drive. One or two puddles and if you're going to the Santiago Mill, the last half mile or so of the trail is steep and loose with 2 spots that will need a little proper wheel placement. Go have fun.
Trail Review: Leavenworth Creek Road (AKA McClellan Mountain) - Robbie spil
Trail Review: Leavenworth Creek Road (AKA McClellan Mountain) - Robbie spil
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