Trail Overview

This is an out-and-back trail;the back side of Argentine Pass is limited to foot traffic for descending down into Peru Creek. The trail begins right outside Georgetown on Guanella Pass. Begin up FS 248.1 right next to a beautiful waterfall, and be sure to take some pictures. The trail has some small rock obstacles in the first quarter mile. If you can navigate these rocks, you'll be able to complete the trail. The trail crosses a beautiful stream with good waterfall pictures and dispersed camping spots. The trail will continue up a few switchbacks, then head into some aspen groves, great for fall viewing. This is the longest stretch of the trail with dispersed camping spots throughout. You'll exit the aspens at the Waldorf Mine site. At the Waldorf site, you'll have a couple of options to either continue up Argentine Pass or head up McClellan Mountain. The trail becomes slightly more difficult going up Argentine Pass with larger rock obstacles, but there is a bypass. There's a tight switchback towards the top, upon the final ascent. Look for vehicles coming down and wait for them because the trail gets narrow. Once you ascend the top of Argentine Pass, you'll have a spectacular view of multiple 14ers and Peru Creek.

Photos of Argentine Pass

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Difficulty

There are large rocks requiring high ground clearance. This is off-camber driving. There are tight switchbacks and it's narrow.

History

Waldorf Mine site hosted the highest post office in the U.S. (no longer there). In the late 1890s, a railroad would take tourists to the Waldorf Mine and later up McClennan Mountain to the former Ice Palace, an old mining tunnel filled with ice.

Technical Rating

jack brown

Jul 17, 2026

Open

NormalMuddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Completely clear all the way to the top. Did it in a stock jeep wrangler JL. Hardest part is in the beginning due to washouts. Other than that its completely doable. There were puddles and Waterhouse everywhere due to the rain we ran into. Great trail.

Dan Guajardo

Jun 26, 2026

Open

Rough the first few miles from washout from recent rains but passable. Made it up in our stock Tacoma. Past Waldorf mine to top of pass also rough and washed out. We chose to turn around. Use caution.

Curt Greeley

Jun 26, 2026

2019 Toyota 4Runner

Open

Normal

First time doing this trail. I have been nervous about the last switchback for years and after doing it today, it is very very easy in anything less than a full size. I think the bypass to the left of the rock has gotten wide and I didn’t even get off camber at all. Only backed up once on the way up and didn’t need to backup at all on the way down. Other parts of the trail are definitely harder. Enjoyed it overall

JC Cease

Jun 20, 2026

Open

NormalRough/DeterioratedMuddy/WetDusty

The trail was clear all the way to the peak. No obstruction and surprisingly enough, not crowded at all for a Saturday on Father's Day weekend.

Peter w

Jun 19, 2026

Open

NormalDusty

Made it all the way to the pass. A couple small spots of snow near the very top but you could get around them. Great trail.

Matt

Jun 13, 2026

2021 Jeep Wrangler

Obstructed

Deep Snow

Went up and there were a load of side by sides. Headed up the trail through the river bed. Was was not too crazy, but in some sections about 6-8" deep. At the mine we turned back due to amount of side by sides parked there. Used biniculars and it looked as if there was still snow pack on the remaining trail up to the summit. Everywhere else was worth the trip!

Robert

Jun 13, 2026

Open

DustyMuddy/Wet

Got up to upper most part of the trailer and turned around do to snow coving the road. Other then that great trail lots to look at.

Brandon Buettner

Jun 07, 2026

Open

Snow/IceRough/Deteriorated

The last few switchbacks up to the pass still have snow barriers. Id give it 2 weeks before you can safely make it all the way up.

Shadow_Walker 4x4

May 31, 2026

2017 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Muddy/WetSnow/Ice

You can make it up to the first lake. Beyond that is a 30 foot section of 5 foot snow drifts. This trail needs a couple more weeks to get all the way up!

J V

May 31, 2026

2014 Jeep Wrangler

Open

NormalSnow/Ice

Clear and run to Waldorf Mine in stock JK 2 door. Snow still holding beyond Argentine Falls, but a handful of wranglers on modest lifts came through as we were having a snack.

David Phillips

May 25, 2026

2017 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Overall the trail is not technical. Not difficult in a stock Jeep Wrangler with good tires and a knowledgeable driver. The first 50 yards of the trail are the most difficult with very large rocks to navigate through. After that is is mostly easy with some tight switchbacks.

Jay Day

May 23, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetSnow/Ice

Natalia LittleRadAdventure

May 17, 2026

2025 Ford Outer Banks Sasquatch package

Open

Muddy/WetSnow/Ice

The trail was relatively dry up until the Waldorf site, but after that there was quite a bit of snow on the road. We also made it to Santiago Mill, though most of the higher roads are still snow covered. Conditions were very windy with a mix of snow and rain, but the views were absolutely worth it nevertheless. As for trail difficulty, if you can get past the first section right at the beginning, you should be totally fine for the rest of the trail.

john h

Apr 25, 2026

Open

NormalSnow/IceRough/Deteriorated

Almost clear to the top. Made it to about 11,900 ft until we hit snow banks.

brendon

Apr 11, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

As of mid April the Santiago mill is the highest accessible point in this trail system. Any stock pickups or some high clearance suvs can make it, 33"s will help as will airing down for a smother ride.