Oh-My-God Road (Virginia Canyon)

3.9/5 (38 reviews)
Officially called Virginia Canyon Road, the Oh-my-God Road connects Idaho Springs to Central City, although the road can be run in either direction. It is a steep, winding, scenic shelf road with plenty of hairpin turns and few guardrails earning it its nickname. Built to connect these two major min... Read More
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Highlights of Oh-My-God Road (Virginia Canyon)

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Ghost Town Category Icon Ghost Town
Mine Category Icon Mine
Highest Elevation
9355 ft
Shape of Trail
Straight Through
Typically Open
Year Round
Best Direction
N/A
Official Trail Name
279
Nearest Town
Idaho Springs
Nearest Services
Idaho Springs
Management Agency
Clear Creek County, Gilpin County
District

Overview

Officially called Virginia Canyon Road, the Oh-my-God Road connects Idaho Springs to Central City, although the road can be run in either direction. It is a steep, winding, scenic shelf road with plenty of hairpin turns and few guardrails earning it its nickname. Built to connect these two major mining centers, Virginia Canyon Road displays many remnants of the region’s rich mining heritage. Tailing piles dot the hillsides, their red-brown dirt contrasting with the deep green of the pine forest. Perhaps the climax of this mining history is the historic ghost town of Russel Gulch. Many of the town’s largest and most significant buildings are still standing along with many residences, some of which are still occupied.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
11 Waypoints
35 Trail Photos
1 Trail Concerns
38 Community Reviews
1 Video
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