Trail Overview

This trail takes you up along a high ridge with amazing views of the valley and reservoir below. The top section has dispersed camping available set back in the trees, and if you're lucky you can get one with a view. ATVs and dirt bikes will love this trail, but there aren't too many side roads in the area. Open June 15 to November 15.

Photos of Williams Peak Road

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Difficulty

This is an unmaintained trail with switchbacks up narrow, steep hills that are peppered with loose rock and erosion. There is no service along this route, so offline maps are essential.

History

Historically, Williams Peak and the surrounding area were used for grazing, hunting, and early mining access in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The shelf roads were originally developed to connect remote alpine sites and provide routes for livestock and timber transport. Today, Williams Peak Road preserves this historical access while providing adventurous off-roaders with technical driving, alpine scenery, and a glimpse into Colorado’s early mountain land use.

Technical Rating

Paul Johnson

Jun 28, 2025

Open

NormalDusty

Enjoyable afternoon on the trial. Wildflowers are current;y blooming and there are still some snow patches up where OnX route ends and continues on to the south. I suggest paying attention to the number of SxS trailers at the beginning so you are aware of how many may be on the trail with you.

Laurence Gilmore

Aug 02, 2024

2015 Jeep Wrangler

Open

NormalDusty

A W

Jul 20, 2024

2017 Arctic Cat HDX 700

Open

Normal

Chandler Strong

Jun 23, 2024

2023 Ford Bronco

Open

Muddy/WetNormal

Easy trail with some nice views for most of the second half of the ride. Rutted at the beginning followed by rocky mild winding pitches until you reach a ridgeline that is pretty smooth and easy to pick up speed. There are a few overlooks and campsites with fun tangents to the trail to play around on. Lastly you travel through a smooth birch forest you can fly through, followed by a narrow acent to the summit. Summit is wide open and view is vast in both directions. Was a nice leisurely trail. The only two other people we saw were a stock Rav4 and stock Jeep Cherokee both on road tires meaning you could do this trail in just about any SUV if you're willing to bounce around. Whole trail was open and unobstructed.

Easton Austin

May 30, 2024

Temporarily Closed

Seasonal Closure

You can make it 2 miles up before the gate is closed. Should be open starting the weekend of June 16th.

Ross M

Nov 17, 2023

Open

Snow/Ice

David Lewis

Jun 21, 2023

Open

Normal

Michael Arterbury

May 28, 2023

Temporarily Closed

Seasonal Closure

Alex Maier

May 17, 2023

Open

Dusty