Apex Road

Total Miles
11.4

Elevation

3,217.69 ft

Duration

1.5 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

There is a lot of history along this easy, backcountry drive. You'll be able to see four old cemeteries, and several historic structures in Apex, an old mining camp and ghost town. The route offers access to many other fun trails, and unlicensed vehicles are allowed on some sections. Open all year.

Difficulty

Easy. Well graded to Waypoint 02. After that, as you continue north, road gets progressively rougher with ruts and bumpy embedded rock.

History

Apex was founded in 1891, several decades after the larger towns of Central City, Black Hawk and Nevadaville. Since Apex was closer to the mines, it could provide some services more conveniently. The town reached its peak population of about 1,000 people around 1896. At that time there were 20 to 30 buildings consisting of two hotels, a dance hall, several churches, a school and a newspaper. Source: 'Ghost Towns Colorado Style,' by Kenneth Jessen. ISBN # 0-9611662-8-2

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Nicholas Caldwell
Mar 10, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Josh Macneil
Dec 25, 2023
4x4
Open
Snow/Ice
Brian Hoyt
Nov 18, 2023
4x4
Open
Snow/Ice
Lyndy Anderson
Oct 15, 2023
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice

Access Description

From Eureka and Main Street in Central City, head northwest uphill on Eureka Street 1.2 miles to the intersection of Bald Mountain Road and Upper Apex Road.

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