Upper Elk Creek ATV

Total Miles
2.5

Elevation

3,157.65 ft

Duration

0.5 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Upper Elk Creek ATV trail goes for 2.6 miles through the Arapaho National Forest near Fraser, Colorado, connecting Tunnel 3 Area Road to West Elk Creek Road. From the west, it climbs up the mountain with several switchbacks that have a bit of loose rock and are tighter and steeper than the switchbacks on the Elk Creek Loop. On one of the climbs, the trail is more rutted with loose rocks filling in the ruts. As it nears the top of the mountain, there are some small logs down over the trail through the lodgepole pine forest that are relatively easy to go around or over, and a couple of sections in the middle of the route are a bit rockier with more loose rocks. After almost a mile, the trail descends back down through more tight turns through the trees. Near the east end, it levels out as it goes along a flat shelfy route on the edge of the mountain. Although all of the trails in the trail system are easy, this one is likely the hardest.

Photos of Upper Elk Creek ATV

Upper Elk Creek ATV
Upper Elk Creek ATV

Difficulty

This ATV trail is slightly harder than the rest of the ATV trails in the area because it has sections that are steeper, tighter, and more covered in loose rock. There are some steeper climbs and descents that are on loose dirt and rock that make it slightly more challenging, and thus an intermediate difficulty. Riders will also have to watch for downed trees.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

This small motorized trail system is near the town of Fraser, Colorado. It has several easy-to-intermediate dirt bike and ATV trails. You'll likely see mountain bikers and other riders. The Elk Creek trailhead is on Elk Creek Road south of Highway 40. The trails are open from 6/16 to 11/14 for motorized use.

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