Trail Overview
This is a longer out-and-back route that can take around four hours to complete, so plan accordingly before starting. Only three legally open spur routes branch from the main trail. The route begins with wider, smoother dirt surfaces surrounded by sagebrush, rocky hillsides, and pockets of aspens before transitioning into denser forest. Farther along, the trail becomes narrower as it winds through stands of aspen, pine, and spruce, with large rock formations and boulders bordering portions of the route. The surface varies considerably, ranging from packed dirt and scattered gravel to stretches covered with exposed rock, embedded boulders, and eroded areas. Much of the route travels through Gunnison National Forest, and there may be opportunities for dispersed camping along the way.
Difficulty
The route varies considerably in difficulty, with smoother dirt sections transitioning into narrow, rocky terrain with embedded boulders, exposed rock, erosion, and off-camber sections. Several steeper rocky stretches require careful tire placement and adequate ground clearance, while tight sections through the forest can further limit maneuverability.
History
The Ohio City and Gold Creek area developed around mining during Colorado's late-19th-century mining era. Gold discoveries in the region date to the 1860s, but development accelerated after silver discoveries around 1879–1880. The surrounding Gold Brick Mining District contained numerous mines and prospects, including gold and silver workings extending into the mountains surrounding Ohio City. Mining declined around the turn of the century but experienced another period of production during the 1930s and early 1940s. Today, old roads, mine sites, and other remnants scattered throughout the surrounding mountains reflect this historic period of mineral exploration and development.
