Iron Chest Mine

Total Miles 2.7
Technical Rating
8 Difficult
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Iron Chest Mine trail photo

Trail Overview

Very challenging trail, but a classic favorite with outstanding views at the top. Explore Iron Chest Mine and Ghost House. Obey all signs and do not enter any structures. Following the rules will keep this trail open.

Photos of Iron Chest Mine

Difficulty

Difficult. A short stretch of boulders at the beginning of the trail is brutal. After that, the trail continues as a narrow shelf road, often with small washouts. Snow can block trail late July.

History

The buildings at Iron Chest Mine are over 100 years old and are in relatively good condition given the 12,000-ft. altitude. A giant pulley lies on the ground in front of a large tram house with tram towers going down the mountain. Just over the high ridge above the mine is the Mary Murphy Mine, which can be reached via Pomeroy Lakes, Trail #41. Take a short 250-yard hike to the interesting Ghost House near start of trail. The cabin was built in 1886. Flattened tin cans were used as roof shingles.

Technical Rating

8

Status Reports

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Sean Coleman
Jul 20, 2025
Open
First part of trail bouldering but once past it, narrow trail with few turnout
Clay Brubaker
Jun 08, 2025
Open
About 2/3 of the way up the trail, after the big switch back there is snow around the inside corner for about 200ft 2-3’ deep on the inside corner. Could be dig out and winches thru.
Adam Thornberry
Jul 13, 2024
Open
Krystyna Hartling
Jun 28, 2024
Open
Jeremy Amos
Sep 04, 2023
Open
Timothy Broughton
Jul 05, 2023
Open

Iron Chest Mine Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

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

Iron Chest Mine Map

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