Trail Overview

If you're looking for solitude, enjoy this old cattle trail all the way up and over Elkhorn Mountain. There is an option to explore the old Elkhorn Mine, as well as places to camp at the start of the trail. The Forest Service may be rerouting this trail, so make sure to follow signs and stay on designated trails. Elkhorn Mountain trail is open mid June through November, depending on the weather.

Photos of Elkhorn Mountain

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

Difficult. Narrow, steep and rocky in places, with tight, overgrown vegetation on western half. Several spots can be almost impassable with mud and ruts early in summer. Watch for large hidden downed trees scattered underneath the vegetation. Best to carry a chainsaw. No hard-core obstacles, but be prepared for surprises.

History

This part of Colorado has long been used for cattle ranching and sheep herding. We saw both while driving in the area. Many refer to this route as the 'Elkhorn Stock Driveway,' but we could not verify the exact route. We suspect it's tied into trails coming south from Wyoming. An old water trough along the route would suggest that cattle drives once came this way.

Technical Rating

Eric Gill

Jun 25, 2025

Open

Heavy logging operations and road is closed. Not passable and it is closed about a mile up from the Whiskey Park road on the east side.

Chuck Burns

Aug 23, 2024

Open

The trail as shown on the map was not passable. At a point we should have went to the left, according to the map, there was no trail showing at all. We followed what was available. When we got to what the map showed as a dead end the trail, which seemed like a widened 50 or 60” trail, kept going and eventually rejoined Elkhorn and we followed it to the end when it joined 129. If possible I could somehow send or upload my track showing the route we took.

Michael Burleson

Jul 17, 2023

Open

Cory Ginn

Jul 06, 2023

Open