Phantom Canyon

Nick C.

500

Open

Visited: 08/22/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The south part was extremely scenic and washboarded in some places. Overall, it is a real relaxing drive.

Jake Weikert

Official Crew

5700

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 08/12/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice graded road connecting Victor and Penrose. A good windy path through beautiful scenery and, while nothing technical, if you don’t like shelf roads be weary of this path.

Trampas J Marcel

100

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 05/29/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Trail was as described and in good condition. Beware of others on the road. Most of the vehicles on the road that day were not there for a scenic drive and appeared to be driving as if they were late for work... Be careful

Tyler Genevish

Official Crew

12700

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 05/27/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Today was a great day to be out on the trail, the rain held off until we reached the end. The trail was slightly more busy than the last time we were on it, since it was Memorial Day weekend. All but one or two campsites were taken. If you’re going to go out on the trail over the weekend take it slow, the trail has a lot of blind curbs and you don’t want to ruin your day by being careless!

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Tyler Genevish

Michael Manis

900

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 04/16/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Great scenic drive. Very little traffic and easy enough almost any stock vehicle could handle the dirt road.

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Michael Manis

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Karl Rentel

700

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 04/16/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice enjoyable ride. Shelf roads aren’t my favorite but this trail was good.

Brad D.

18450

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 04/08/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Took phantom back from Penrose Commons. Trail is dry and in good condition. Still a bit of snow on the shoulders at the highest points but nothing to cause issue. Just a fun trail for a Saturday.

Tynan Olonan

3500

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 04/01/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Road is dry and easy going. Watch out for dumb drivers who takes corners way too fast or just don't pay attention. A lot of traffic on this road.

Kevin Story

600

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 03/23/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Left work early to take advantage of the weather - super-easy, nice drive with zero obstacles or obstructions.

PBenn

3700

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 03/18/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is the second year I ran this trial. It is a great winter trail for snow wheeling. This year there was a lot more snow on the trail which made it even better to play on especially on the second half of the trail past the big bridge.

Peter Brightwell

1400

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 03/18/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice day to head up Phantom Canyon Road from Hwy 50 to Cripple Creek / Victor. Road was fine in the lower sections but we started to see a bit of snow on the road and shoulders after the big bridge. No real trouble just a bit slick on the road at higher elevations.

Tracy Barker

Official Crew

31850

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 02/26/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I drove north from US Hwy 50 on Sunday, February 26th. The road was mostly clear but muddy in spots south of Waypoint 10. North of that point there was more mud and snow, especially the closer you get to Victor.

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Tracy Barker

Kevin Snow

300

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 02/05/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Combined this trail with Shelf road & Skyline drive to make a loop back to Cripple Creek. While not challenging from a technical standpoint as the trail was dry for probably 80% of it and the spots that had snow/ice were minimal and not difficult as I stayed in 2wd, it makes for a nice scenic drive. This will change though as it's not spring yet but for today the road was in good condition and drivable for all vehicles. Starting from Canon City and waypoint #1 is the way to do this route in the winter especially as these patches with snow/ice are done while going slightly uphill. Lots of unoccupied spaces to camp this time of year and low traffic would have made a nice overnight trip. At the end of the trail as you enter Victor I would definitely recommend driving up Stratton's Independence Mine & Mill to see the old mining equipment.

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Kevin Snow

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Nate Wellner

1300

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 01/28/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Phantom Canyon is absolutely gorgeous. Sometimes difficult to focus on driving with the amount of views or things to look at. Road is well maintained, restrooms were open and clean. Spots of snow, as expected for January. Mostly dry on Saturday, but waking up Sunday morning had brought a dusting of snow. Camped at a marked campsite on an offshoot in-between waypoint 7 and 8, which had a small rock step and required 4wd/4lo to minimize wheel spin when returning to the main road.

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Nate Wellner

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David G

200

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 01/14/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is an easy trail start to finish. It's part of the Gold Belt Tour so all vehicles can run it. Most of the road had no snow on it but as we got closer to Victor we saw a little more snow on the parts of the road that didn't get much sunlight. Overall, the scenery was a 5 but the road had too many washboard sections for my liking but I understand why.

Brad D.

18450

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 01/01/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Enjoyed this drive and a bit of railroad and mining history to boot. Kind of fun to see all of the old towns that were along the road at one point of time. We did hit snow for the last third but it was well packed and didn't cause any traction issues. We ran from South to North. It was late in the day so pushed it a little harder but easily completed in a high clearance 4x4 in less than an hour, not the goal but was doable and still comfortable. It did start to snow more heavily as we were leaving so trail conditions may have changed.

Ken Abney

200

Open

Visited: 08/25/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Phantom Canyon is not a long drive. I started it at the end of the day with the intention to camp along the way. You can make this drive in just about any vehicle but having a 4 wheel drive will allow you to drop down any of the side roads to some hidden and incredible camping spots. I picked a camp spot that was higher,even to the road, to be away from the mosquitoes in the creek. My campsite had a nice trail down to eight mile creek where my dog and I hung out in the mid morning. The two tunnels, bridges and creek make this drive non stop something to look at in the canyon. I'm a history nerd so i enjoyed stopping and reading the signs along the way. I will recommend this drive to everyone. I was planning to come down the Shelf Road to the west but it was poring down rain on the 26th when I got to Cripple Creek so ill have to save that for next time.

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Ken Abney

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Paul Stone

3100

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 08/22/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice drive on a very scenic road. Easy railroad grade a car could do. Lots of nice camping along the way too.

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Paul Stone

Jacob Helmka

1750

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 08/12/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Took a day trip down Shelf rd then back up Phantom Creek. i think Either direction on this road would be great. We ended up getting some heavy rain and even saw snow near Cripple Creek. The history, great dispersed camping spots, and unique features along this road make it a wonderful drive.

Tim N.

3500

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/11/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

A very scenic non-technical drive that winds it’s way up the mountain to a little over 10,000 feet. There are some shaded campsites, but most are out in the open. Overall, a very nice drive and worth visiting,

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JD Marshall

Official Crew

123000

Open

Visited: 06/08/2022

Trail reported open! Enjoy the summer!

Jeremy Smythe

1300

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 06/08/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

The trail is fully open. The bridge work is completed. Very easy scenic drive. Most of the time it is easy to pass if you run into anyone. There are a couple of shelf areas that add a little excitement, but overall this is an easy drive.

Wade Norton

6100

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/03/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

I can’t really call this a 4WD road because is could literally drive my big rig RV up this road. But the trip is beautiful and certainly worth your time. Lots of interesting history on that road. Oh and at the end in Victor, CO be sure to stop at Gold Camp Bakery. You will thank me. ☺️

JD Marshall

Official Crew

123000

Partially Open

Visited: 05/01/2022

Thanks to the reviewer yesterday, we have found out there is a closure in effect until May 25th. This closure is approximately at the 14 Mile Marker (From the southern end). There are four major bridges on this route and it appears they are undergoing regular repairs. "The Fremont County DOT will be closing Phantom Canyon Road (CR 67) at mile marker 14 from April 25, 2022 through May 25, 2022 (barring any unforeseen circumstances). Crews will be replacing bridge decking during this time, and sign boards will be utilized to inform the public. Please inform anyone who may need this information. We appreciate your cooperation while we work to accomplish this task."

Ben allston

100

Partially Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 04/30/2022

Closed a little past mile 13 due to what looked like bridge work so no through route, believe sign stated it would reopen late May

Ray

10200

Open

Rated 3/5

Visited: 04/10/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very washboarded in many sections, the tunnels and interesting rock formations made up for it. Beware of the careless drivers speeding around the blind corners.

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PBenn

3700

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 03/06/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran this trail in conjunction with Gold Camp road with a Off Road group I belong to. It was an easy trail with beautiful scenery and made for a great day out in the fresh Colorado air and sunshine. There was still a bit of some in some places, but nothing that caused any problem.

Tracy Barker

Official Crew

31850

Open

Rated 3/5

Visited: 02/19/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The road is in good condition; many areas are dry, but those parts that remain in shadow are snow-packed. Use caution on blind curves, and of course watch for on-coming traffic before the multiple (narrow) bridges and tunnels.

Jonathan Suitter

800

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 09/08/2021

Great dirt road down from Victor and Cripple Creek areas. Have traveled this road twice now and its a great way to experience some history and views while staying off the asphalt. Love the wooden bridges along route and the tunnel. easily traveled in any vehicle. Grading and smoothing was being completed at the time of my travel last week. 8/30/2021. Well maintained.

Kevin

3500

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 09/06/2021

It's a dirt road. We let our daughter drive the entire road. Great learning for a permit driver.

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Jessica H

1700

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/06/2021

After a bit of a detour trying access the road (bridge was closed for repair) we got into the canyon around 8am. It was cool but quiet and just beautiful. I really expected more of an arid environment but it was lush, green, lots of wildflowers and water in the creek. We really enjoyed the scenery, rock tunnels and bridges. Definitely want to return and try and snag one of those camping spots near the creek! This was our weekend to explore parts of Colorado we hadn't been too before and we weren't disappointed with any of our choices. The road was easy, well maintained and scenery couldn't be beat!

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Jessica H

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Kristina & Raine

500

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 03/27/2021

Beautiful! We really enjoyed this trail & its incredible scenery! Easy to traverse, virtually no snow right now, and what’s there is hard packed & easy to drive on. To see more photos & follow along on our other adventures, check out @ReachesofRaine on Instagram!

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Kristina & Raine

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JD Marshall

Official Crew

123000

Open

Visited: 03/21/2021

This trail is open, however, CAUTION. Colorado weather is unpredictable this time of year and there may be the occasional fresh snow fall or mud and melting snow. This trail is in an area of the state where snowfall levels have dropped for the season and the majority of the trails are dry, muddy and/or only have a small bit of snow on them. Again, please use caution if traveling on these trails until the dryer season.

Neal A. Tew

4900

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 02/20/2021

THIS ROAD IS MAINTAINED BY FREMONT COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT.

JD Marshall

Official Crew

123000

Impassable

Visited: 01/01/2021

This trail is at a high altitude within the state of Colorado and has limited maintainence. As such, this trail should be considering impassable until spring.

Matt Fogarty

1400

Open

Visited: 11/27/2020

Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

GMC Canyon with 2.5F/1.5R lift. Fun drive to see the canyon, seemed like a ton of camping on the entire trail. Ends at Cripple Creek, cool little mountain town with casinos and shops. Did this run a month after moving to CO and it was an awesome introduction into overlanding, Really just a long dirt road with a a lot of washboarding. Some cool rock tunnels though. Fun way to get to Cripple Creek.

Aaron Phillips

1900

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 09/05/2020

Did this trail on Labor Day weekend in the Grand Cherokee that we’ve owned for about 4 days. Pleasantly surprised as to how well it did on this not very hard trail. We did the entire loop of Phantom Canyon, Shelf Road, Seep Springs and County Road 69 from Canon City out to Victor and Cripple Creek and back to Canon City again. Love the scenic trails.

Rich Brunnworth

4700

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 08/21/2020

Ran up the canyon today. Nothing unusual, just a gent with a Tahoe and a flat tire. Stopped to help him, then continued on up the canyon. The weather was clear, a little dusty, being in the canyon there was little smoke from the wildfires. The road was typical, washboard in a couple of places but overall a nice easy drive. A few people camped but there were still plenty of spots left to choose from.

Steve Harner

300

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 08/07/2020

Drove today with my son. A couple of larger rocks on the east side of the road. Nothing a stock 4x4 can’t handle. A couple of the narrower sections of the trail can be risky if cars are coming the opposite direction. Overall one of my favorite drives in Colorado.

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Steve Harner

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Brent Vickery

100

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 05/03/2020

Pretty Sunday drive. A fair amount of traffic both ways. We started in canyon city end. Absolutely love the many varied canyons on this road. A lot of dry campers along the creek. Beautiful day with just enough breeze to clear the dust. Everyone was courteous and let faster traffic pass.

Jeremy Wynia

500

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 04/26/2020

Nice Sunday drive. Took the family out and wet camped closer to the Canon City end of the road. It was absolutely prefect. Nice weather, a perfect camp site that had no one in it. I think this had to go with the extremely rutted entry to this particular spot and then a petty rocky drop to 3 lower camp spots. You need some ground clearance to make it down to the camping spots. Camped right on the creek in a spot with some nice trees and a large grassy spot to pitch the kids tent and a large level spot to park the truck for the RTT. The roads were petty much all clear and free of snow. The canyon is absolute beautiful. Will certainly do it again.

Mike

200

Open

Visited: 03/08/2020

Drove the canyon with my kids on Sunday, March 8, 2020. Fun, mellow, scenic drive. Little bit of snow and ice in the shadows and on the upper portion of the road. Loved the tunnels and bridges. Quite a few people camping in the lower portion of the canyon. Will drive it again in the fall.

Bruce D McFarland

200

Open

Visited: 02/08/2020

Fresh snow, but passable. Was stating to melt, and getting very slushy

JD Marshall

Official Crew

123000

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 08/16/2019

Jen and I went out to do a major overhaul on this trail guide and Jen LOVED it. She's a big fan of canyons and landscape features along the trail and this didn't disappoint. We stopped and had lunch at the Dunneville rest stop and waited for a large storm to move past us in the afternoon. The scenery is fun to see on this trail, but the cool stuff to look at is right in front of you here around the trail itself.

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - JD Marshall

Tracy Barker

Official Crew

31850

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 02/22/2019

I drove Phantom Canyon Road on Friday, February 22nd. The road had been graded/snow plowed, so there was little snow on the road itself (most in spots shaded by mountains or trees). This is a beautiful drive, so take your time and stop frequently to view the panorama.

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Jonathan Warford

100

Temporary Closure

Rated 5/5

Visited: 12/25/2018

Between mile 7 and 8, (Heading North), the trial is closed until January 3rd, 2019 for tunnel upkeep

Larry Webster

900

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 10/06/2018

This is an amazing drive in the fall. The colors are fantastic, and it's 2wd the entire way. there is a nice rest stop area with bathrooms and the tunnels and bridges just add to the amazing views of the canyon.

Nolan Urban

100

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 07/04/2018

Fun little road, did it in 2WD just dirt/gravel mix. Great camping spots pretty much anywhere you go though there's a few areas where you see "No Trespassing Signs" and then campgrounds as well. We did the trail from Canyon City to the HWY 67 (South to North.) Lots of campers in about the first 2 miles, pretty sparse after that. Creekbeds were dry with the exception of a few places (and those were loaded with trout I didn't have the heart to catch since they're trying to survive the drought) but overall excellent day to be alive and free in 'Merica. Where the red steel bridge is is your indicator that there is amazing photography opportunity (Waypoint 10-12) available with small rocks along the side you should scramble. Thanks for all the information on this little road, I love this site!

Trail Review: Phantom Canyon - Nolan Urban

Hosedragger

100

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/24/2018

Great Sunday drive for the family when you need to get out of the house and do something. The road was wide open and very accessible, but be aware of on-coming traffic when approaching corners and both of the tunnels. The rock formations are amazing and well worth the drive. Very easy and absolutely non-technical drive that any stock vehicle can do. Most of the vehicles we encountered were minivans from Missouri, good times.

Tim

700

Open

Visited: 10/07/2017

The fall colors were still out but not as vibrant as probably a week earlier. The trail itself is in good shape, lots of traffic with people out to see the fall colors. The trail can be done in just about any type of vehicle the main issues only being washboard sections along the trail. The group I was with, we ran the trail from Victor to Canyon City but it can be ran in either direction. Several narrow areas that you need to watch out for on coming traffic as only one vehicle can get through at a time, especially the two tunnels. Overall a nice trail to run especially in the fall to see the leaves.

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