Shelf Road

full-limited Icon
4.2/5 (26 reviews)
Cripple Creek, Colorado (Teller County)
Last Updated: 03/02/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Carved into Colorado's canyon walls in 1892, Shelf Road is a historic offroad trail that inspiringly explores the state's past and natural beauty. Once a pivotal route for freight and stagecoaches, the trail features scenery including striking limestone formations like the Window Rock, often visited by Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Drivers navigating the heart-pounding shelf portion are treated to stunning valley views and dramatic drop-offs. When paired with Phantom Canyon Road, adventurers can explore a substantial stretch of the Gold Belt Tour, a scenic byway that encapsulates the 1890s Colorado gold rush. Shelf Road weaves together history, heart-stopping off-road adventure, and the awe-inspiring wilderness, offering an unforgettable Colorado experience.


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.2/5 (26)
User Avatar
inline-aa Icon
3400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very picturesque drive. It was drizzling for much of the drive, but there were many interesting sights like Window Rock and Morning Glory Ore House. Drive from Canyon City to Cripple Creek. You can drive this in about anything.
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
34400
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 02/26/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I drove Shelf Road from Cripple Creek south to Canon City on Sunday, February 26th. The road has mixed conditions--dry, mud, and snow in different segments depending upon how much direct sunlight a segment gets. Overall, the conditions are good, and the canyon views make this drive worthwhile.
Trail Review: Shelf Road - Tracy Barker
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 02/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

After a snowy and cold January was looking forward to good weather this weekend and was wanting to take some scenic roads that I wasn't going to have to worry about getting stuck on as we were going solo. The only danger or concern with this road are the people that were driving like they were late to work and going around blind turns way faster than they should have. For the most part though we saw very few people and kept it in 2wd the entire time. There was a fresh rock slide around mile 12 on the shelf road but shouldn't stop anyone as there was enough room to avoid it. Very minimal ice, which was thin and melting (for now) and shouldn't deter anyone from the trail. Combining this with Skyline Drive in Canon City & Phantom Canyon Road makes for a full day of easy trails and a nice loop back to Cripple Creek when the roads and weather are nice.
Trail Review: Shelf Road - Kevin Snow
Trail Review: Shelf Road - Kevin Snow
View More Images
User Avatar
inline-aa Icon
1100
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 01/22/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Trail is open and in good shape. There are some icy spots in the shade. An old 2x4 F-150 on bald tires was stuck at the bottom of one icy hill. For us with with good winter tires the hill was no issue even in 2-HI. We saw a few AWD crossovers making it through just fine. Overall, a great easy trail and one of the limited scenic roads that’s open this time of year.
User Avatar
inline-aa Icon
18450
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 01/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

First trail run of '23 and a nice little historic mine trail to start off with. Definitely nothing challenging and a great Sunday drive, easily done by a 2WD car. Weren't sure if the trail would be impacted with snow but no issues at all, most of it is completely dry with a few areas in the shade that still have some well packed snow but nothing that caused any traction issues. Note, it was starting to snow last night as we left some other trails in the area so conditions could be slightly different after that weather event.

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial