Halfmoon Gulch

Total Miles 7.3
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This trail sits between Mount Massive and Mount Elbert and takes you to a really well preserved mill structure. The terrain is impressive and so are the views. The first section is popular with hikers, so please use caution.

Photos of Halfmoon Gulch

Difficulty

Moderate. Mostly smooth with occasional rocky sections. In the spring, water crossings may be too deep to safely cross. High-clearance stock SUVs can drive F.S. 110. Side trip on F.S. 110J has one difficult spot, but there's a good place to turn around if you don't want to drive up it.

History

Like many mines in Colorado, the Champion Mine started operation back in the late 1800s. However, its most productive period was in later years between 1906 and 1919. The mine was reopened again in 1921 and finally shut down for the last time in 1940. Although the mill could collapse at any time, it presently is in remarkably good shape. Much of the milling equipment still remains inside. In addition to the mill, tram towers remain on the mountainside.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Lacie Petsch
Aug 05, 2025
Open
Kevin Kovach
Jul 13, 2025
Open
Ian Dalton
Jul 12, 2025
Open
Timothy Adams
Jul 05, 2025
Open
A couple of people got stuck trying to pass this area, including myself…
Dan B
Jun 21, 2025
Open
Beautiful trail and good for beginner to intermediate drivers. A stock 4Runner Off-road on highway tires followed us up. The water crossing right after North Halfmoon Lakes trail head was about 2’ at its deepest spot. My stock 4R TRD made it through fine with no issues. Minor pin striping possible the higher you go but is avoidable if you go slow.
Alexander Widmeyer
Jun 03, 2025
Open
Easy trail. Didn’t do the river crossing
JT L
May 20, 2025
Open
Fun trail, some areas require higher clearance or good driving skills. I was in a stock 4 door Rubicon. I could’ve bottomed out in some areas if I didn’t take a specific path through parts of the trail with large divots. There’s an area where you cross a creek. I got through no problem. But just after that there is an area with a large amount snow. It doesn’t look too deep but is much deeper than it appears. I ended up getting stuck in it and requiring help to get pulled out. I’m 5’10 and when I jumped out into it, the snow went up the my waist. There is a spot you can easily turn around at once you get to the snow.
Matt H
Jul 28, 2024
Open
Early trail leading up to the Mt. Massive trailhead was rather busy but we only saw one other vehicle beyond the water crossing heading up towards the mine. Awesome trail!
JT Simmons
Jul 05, 2024
Open
Eric Trager
Jul 29, 2023
Open
yul heredia
Jul 18, 2023
Open
Kimbrell Larouche
Jul 01, 2023
Open
Whitney Unruh
Jun 28, 2023
Open

Halfmoon Gulch Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Halfmoon Gulch Map

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