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Located just west of the historic mining and gambling town of Central City, Yankee Hill Road takes you directly into a network of off-road trails known as the Yankee Hill Trail System. This large trail network offers amazing high alpine views and miles of trails that can be combined to create numerous routes for a full day or even an entire weekend of off-road fun.
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Start a 7-day Free TrialYankee Hill Road is the main artery through what is considered the "Yankee Hill Trail System." This nearly 6-mile straight-through route follows Forest Service Road 175.1 from Central City to Alice near Saint Mary's Glacier. Much of this trail is an easy bumpy dirt road, especially on the west side. However, the eastern half of the trail has several sections with large rocks, small boulders, and deep erosion ruts that can only be avoided by taking completely separate trails. Along the way, you will pass numerous other trail options that range from easier to more difficult. Any high clearance stock SUV can safely navigate this route.
Dispersed camping is allowed all throughout the Yankee Hill Network per the Forest Service MVUM, but this is not considered a great "camping" trail. Dispersed sites along this trail are small and rocky and only suitable for small ground tents or vehicle camping. Improved camping can be found at Columbine Campground, located near the eastern trailhead above Central City. Hotels and home rentals can be found in Central City, Alice, and Idaho Springs.
Central City Trailhead: From Black Hawk, continue west through Central City. Just past town, you will come to a large multi-point intersection next to the Boodle Mine. To head to the Yankee Hill OHV staging area, follow Columbine Road and signs for Columbine Campground. From the staging area, continue west, jumping on Columbine Cutoff and joining Yankee Hill at Waypoint 2. If avoiding the staging area, turn left at Boodle Mine and follow Bald Mountain Road southwest to Bald Mountain Lane. Follow Bald Mountain Lane to the west where it ends at the Yankee Hill eastern trailhead on the right. Mine Road Trailhead: From I-70 take exit 238 and travel up Fall River road for just over 9 miles after passing Alice Road turn right onto Mine Road. Continue up Mine Road and stay right to begin the trail.
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