Trail Overview

Just outside of Silverton, Colorado, looms the majestic Kendall Mountain, a destination that beckons to adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts. The trail is notorious for its dramatic drop-offs, where the edge of the path seems to vanish into the abyss below, offering panoramic views that are nothing short of spectacular. You'll encounter a boulder-lined roadbed that demands both caution and skill. The boulders and rugged terrain are a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of the Colorado high mountains, making every twist and turn a memorable part of the adventure. The breathtaking vistas, the crisp mountain air, and the sense of solitude make this a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. On your way up you will pass an old box car from a train as well as a gated mine.

Photos of Kendall Mountain

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Difficulty

The trail is very rocky and not in the sense there are large rocks or boulders, just that it is not an even path or heavily traveled trail where it has smoothed out. You climb in elevation very quickly so expect steep grades. There are also areas of shelf roads that are only one vehicle wide.

Technical Rating

Landon Clipp

May 21, 2026

Open

The trail is clear all the way up to the mine. Technically according to OnX, the Kendall Mountain Trail is open, but the portion above the mine is not. I’m reporting it as open because this track on OnX stops at the mine and it’s indeed clear up to there.

Adam Mertz

Oct 19, 2025

Open

You can make it to the mine but not much further. There is snow on the shelf road up. Wasn’t willing to attempt only to have to back down the road so I turned around at the mine.

Mike Schentag

Sep 20, 2025

Open

My wife and I did this for sunset in my Rivian R1S. Saw a few SxS on the way up, they were heading down. It was a fun trail, it gets steeper and more exposed at the end

Swap T

Sep 15, 2025

Open

We started off thinking this would be an easy trail but were surprised by the challenge it threw at us with steepness, tight switchbacks and very narrow sections at high altitude. Great views!

Dave Ohhhh

Jul 05, 2025

Open

It was a mostly dry day. Went up as far as the 33a intersection. Encountered a campers, few hikers and folks on horseback. Drove it in my stock Tundra 4wd TRD. Road was in good condition with typical random loose rock. Lots of great views.

Chris Humphrey

Jun 06, 2025

Open

Steeper than expected at times, but very pretty!

Robert Adeky

Apr 13, 2025

Open

Snow in the morning was hard and compact so that made it kinda easy to head up the mountain. I aired down to 18psi and had no problems.

Bert Huff

Sep 18, 2024

Open

Beautiful trail very close to Silverton. Long shelf trail, especially near the top. Be sure to watch for others as there’s not many places to pull over. The views are fantastic and you get a bird’s eye view of Silverton.