Trail Overview
This trail follows a mostly one-vehicle-wide two-track through the Alder Creek drainage, with occasional wider areas available for passing. The surface varies between packed dirt, loose gravel, grassy two-track, and scattered rocks, with some rocks reaching approximately 8 inches tall. Portions of the route travel through thick stands of aspens, willows, and other dense vegetation, while other sections open into sagebrush-covered hillsides and grassy creek bottoms. Alder Creek and several wet, marshy areas run alongside the trail, creating lush vegetation and excellent wildlife habitat. Some low sections of the trail show signs of standing water and mud, and these areas could become flooded or considerably wetter following heavy rainfall or during periods of high creek flow. The surrounding hills, dense brush, aspens, and water make this a particularly scenic route with good opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Difficulty
The trail is mostly packed dirt and two-track with scattered loose gravel, shallow ruts, off-camber sections, and occasional rocks up to approximately 8 inches tall. Low areas near Alder Creek may become muddy, hold standing water, or flood following heavy rainfall or high creek flows. The narrow trail and wet conditions may require careful tire placement in a few areas, but there are no major technical obstacles.
History
The Ohio City and Gold Creek area developed around mining during Colorado's late-19th-century mining era. Gold discoveries in the region date to the 1860s, but development accelerated after silver discoveries around 1879–1880. The surrounding Gold Brick Mining District contained numerous mines and prospects, including gold and silver workings extending into the mountains surrounding Ohio City. Mining declined around the turn of the century but experienced another period of production during the 1930s and early 1940s. Today, old roads, mine sites and other remnants scattered throughout the surrounding mountains reflect this historic period of mineral exploration and development.
