Pierson Park Road

Total Miles
5.2

Elevation

2,845.50 ft

Duration

2.5 Hours

Technical Rating

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Both sides are open. The southern side is fun for ATVs and UTVs. It is somewhat flat, with camping available along the route. You'll be in the trees for the most part, but check out the views when you get to the high points. There are some fun side roads to explore, including those around Peirson Park on the northside of the trail. Open June 15 through November 30.

Photos of Pierson Park Road

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Difficulty

Moderate. Much of route is easy, but several sections are steep and mildly rocky. High clearance and lowrange gearing are recommended.

History

In September 2013, the Colorado Front Range experienced eight days of record-breaking rainfall. The Twin Sisters area received 15 inches of rain, resulting in a massive landslide. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded over 1,300 landslides during that period. Parts of the Pierson Park 4x4 road were destroyed and cannot be repaired due to debris piles with car-sized boulders and trenches up to 10 feet deep. The landslide started around 10,000 ft. and stopped after traveling more than a mile and a half down the mountain.

Technical Rating

Status Reports

Due to the grading and fire work being done on the trail it was very dusty and no major obstacles. I’d say a two or three. The road after the “end” of the trail on here has options from slower sections but nothing crazy. I used 4wd once but probably didn’t need it. Lots of nice views.

2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Open

Dusty

Trail was recently graded with ongoing grading today when we ran it. No where near a 5. Would put it in the 2-3 range, really a 2. Extremely dusty after the grading. First time running it so no bearing on the past. Ran it in a FJ on 31.5s, nothing technical at all.

Graded & Reopened as a through road. https://www.facebook.com/100069377282353/posts/849157564073479/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Access Description

Starting at south end: From Meeker Park on Highway 7, between mileposts 11 and 12 south of Estes Park, head east on Cabin Creek Road, County Road 82. Turn right on County Road 82E and go 1.1 miles to F.S. 119 on left. To drive north half: From Highway 36 east of Estes Park at the east end of Lake Estes, head south 2.9 miles on paved Fish Creek Road. Turn left on Little Valley Road (gravel) and follow this south through a residential area. Climb switchbacks to the trail.