Ellis Jeep Trail

Total Miles
13.0

Elevation

2978.14 ft

Duration

1.5 Hours

Technical Rating

6

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Ellis Jeep Trail starts out with some challenging climbs and descents through the forest until reaching a ridge. This is a relatively new trail that has been rerouted for mud, so make sure to stay on the designated route. It is a popular area for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes with options to camp with campers and hauling trailers. The trail is open mid June through November, depending on weather.

Difficulty

Moderate. Mostly easy with intermittent loose rocky climbs and downhill sections. Narrow section, not recommended for oversize vehicles. After Waypoint 03, a sign said 'Most Difficult' but we encountered easy to moderate conditions.

History

In the 1800s the orignial Ellis Trail was a wagon road used to transport lumber and supplies to mining camps between the towns of Hahns Peak and Encampment, Wyo. The original town of Hahns Peak is now called Hahns Peak Village.

Technical Rating

6

Access Description

From Steamboat Springs, head north 30 miles on paved C.R. 129. Stay right on F.S. 550 when road changes to dirt and continue another 3.7 miles to F.S. 500. Turn right and follow good road another 4.4 miles, where road turns sharply left at camp spot and climbs into the forest. Continue 0.3 mile to point where F.S. 500.1A goes right.