Description
This route is part of what is considered the "Yankee Hill Network". This route follows two Forest Service Roads, 175.1 and 273.2 to take one back and forth from Central City to St. Mary's Glacier through the heart of the Yankee Hill Network. Trail conditions include Forest Service type roads with rocks, boulders and in some areas deep ruts. Any high clearance stock SUV can safely navigate this route.
Route instructions are described from St. Mary's to Central City and the trail can be run in either direction.
Waypoints
1. Mine Road Trailhead ( mi)
From Fall River Road shortly after passing Alice Road turn right onto Mine Road. Continue up Mine Road and stay right. Once at the power poles there are two entrance points onto the trail. The first one is more difficult while with a minor obstacle. This stretch until the overlook is fairly rocky and bumpy.
2. Dead End 175.4B (0.13 mi)
Dead end trail 175.4B Stay straight on 175.1
From this point there is a great view of St. Mary's Glacier, James Peak, Fox Mountain and Silver Lake. Continue on 175.1
271.G connects you the trails further south such as Cumberland Gulch, Washoe Gulch and Sheridan Hill. Camping location down 271.1G
This is the loop taking you back down from Yankee Hill, but go up the hill at waypoint 6. Continue onto 175.1 unless you wish to climb and descend Yankee Hill.
6. Yankee Hill 175.3H (0.81 mi)
This is the loop here which takes you up Yankee Hill. Continue on 175.1 unless you wish to climb and descend Yankee Hill. There are some camping rings up on the hill.
7. 271.1D Washoe Gulch Trailhead (0.84 mi)
Continue on 175.1. Turn south if you wish to descend onto Washoe Gulch and exit onto Fall River Road or loop back over to Cumberland Gulch. Down Washoe Gulch there are a couple of small camps.
8. 175.3G Dead End (1.23 mi)
Continue on 175.1.
Continue onto 175.1. 271.1 will eventually connect you over to Cumberland Gulch or Sheridan Hill.
10. 175.3, 172.1A 175.1 (1.61 mi)
Continue on 175.1. Heading north takes you onto the route which would lead you towards Apex Road.
Continue on 175.1. 271.1F leads you over to 271.1, Cumberland Gulch and Sheridan Hill.
12. 772.1 Miners Gulch Trailhead (2.16 mi)
Continue on 175.1. Take 772.1 for Miners Gulch
Continue on 175.1 175.3I is a more technical shortcut connecting you onto 175.1 again as well as Miners Gulch.
Continue on 175.1 If you are running this from Central City 175.3I is a more technical shortcut connecting you onto 175.1 again.
15. Miners Gulch Trailhead 175.3C (3.2 mi)
Continue on 175.1 to the right. Continuing straight (175.3B) also connects you back over to 175.1. Heading north takes you onto Miners Gulch 175.3C and over to Apex Road.
16. Split Fence 175.3B (3.38 mi)
Continue to follow 175.1. This area can get wet and muddy in rainy or snow season. There are some puddles and ruts to play in.
17. 708.1 Dead End (3.79 mi)
If you ran the trail from Central City this is a very good spot to air down. The trail from here to Central City is mostly a trail rated 1 dirt road.
18. 273.2 175.1 and 739.1 Trailheads (5.61 mi)
Continue straight onto 273.2. 739.1 also leads you eventually to the same place, it can have a major water obstacle in wet months and is the more rougher of roads.
If you have come from Central City, continue straight onto 175.1
Continue on 273.2. 401.1 is just a connector trail.
20. To Central City (5.9 mi)
Follow the signs and remain on 273.2.
21. Stop sign/ Bald Mountain Drive (7.89 mi)
Continue straight on 273.2
22. Central City Trailhead (9.59 mi)
If you ran this from St. Mary's this is the end of the trail. If you are running the route from Central City look for the Boodle Mill and turn left up Kings Flat Road.
