Trail Overview

Among the old mining trails stretching from Idaho Springs to Silver Plume, Bard Creek Road offers an enchanting journey through the region's history. As you traverse its bumpy climb, you'll uncover vestiges of Colorado's vibrant past, most notably, the Bard Creek Mine with its remarkably intact ore chute. The drive rewards you with remarkable scenery, from glimpses of the valley through the trees to the awe-inspiring vista at Empire Pass. Although less challenging than its neighboring trails, Bard Creek Road doesn't compromise on the visual treat, providing easy access to beautiful landscapes, and as autumn descends, the trail transforms into a vibrant display of fall colors. Bard Creek Road is off the beaten path, and this journey offers a refreshing blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure.

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Difficulty

Due to the light use of this trail, the vegetation is close, making navigating some stretches difficult, but it can easily be traversed with a high-clearance 4WD.

Technical Rating

Max Stragand

Dec 20, 2025

Open

Pretty snowy, but not impassable. Made it all the way to the end, and 2wd for most of the trail. Fun trail for going through snow with a cool main near the end.

Arturo Báez

Sep 02, 2025

Open

It’s a great trail for beginners, easy but challenging enough, it helps to go on these trails to get experience and confidence. My stock Tacoma had no issues going up and down. The view was nice, had the trail all for myself. It was fun, definitely worth the short detour.

A F

Jul 08, 2025

Open

pretty rutted and rocky in a few spots. Felt more like a 4 to me. Bard Creek Trail is well worth the drive, I took this road on accident trying to do Democrat Mountain and missed the turn

Eddy Salinas

Apr 11, 2025

Open