Mill Creek

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4.1/5 (29 reviews)
Empire, Colorado (ClearCreek County)
Last Updated: 12/05/2023
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Trail Information

Highlights

The entire Empire 4X4 Loop provides a full "Colorado" experience, but Mill Creek takes it to the next level. This trail includes a well-preserved historic cabin, mining ruins, stream crossings, snow-patched mountains, aspen trees, rocks to crawl over, and wildflowers. This off-road trail has something for everyone and should not be missed. It sits about 1 hour from Denver, Colorado, and is within the Arapahoe National Forest. You can combine this trail with other trails in the area for a full day of off-road fun that is just challenging enough to keep the wheeling interesting while soaking in the amazing views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Trail Reviews

4.1/5 (29)
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Official Crew
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141850
Impassable
Visited: 12/01/2023

Snow has made the trail impassable to most vehicles.
Open
Rated 2/5
Visited: 11/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

The trail really doesn’t go anywhere. If you like sliding over rocks while trying to avoid the scared up trees you’ll love this one. Not much to see except trees. I possibility missed something as it was pretty much a constant job to stay off the rocks and clear the trees. There was a few clear spots that would allow a brief rest.
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6400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

This trail is extremely tough and will absolutely test your resolve… I can’t wait to get 33’s so I’ll be able to tackle this trail with confidence! Expect tight as hell turns and huge boulders in the middle of the trail while going up hill and down hill… literally non stop for a solid 90 minutes or more. Not for first timers or anyone in a stock or full sized rig. Sliders and armor are a must! Proceed with caution and enjoy the ride!!
Trail Review: Mill Creek - Rory
Trail Review: Mill Creek - Rory
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/23/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Very tight trail similar to Barbour Fork. Due to how narrow it is, there wasn’t much of an optional line. I’d rate this a notch under Red Elephant as a 5/6
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Official Crew
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34400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I found this road to be more rocky than when I drove it four or five years ago. We found a nice smooth campsite between WP 4 and 5 (if I remember correctly) near the creek. Lift and sliders are helpful, but choose your lines and keep a steady throttle to ease over or around the bigger obstacles. Mill Creek is a good complement to Bill Moore Lake for a weekend getaway. Driving these on weekdays would be more ideal, to avoid traffic on these popular 4x4 roads.
Trail Review: Mill Creek - Tracy Barker
Trail Review: Mill Creek - Tracy Barker
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