Trail Overview
Yankee Hill Road is an 8-mile, moderately challenging offroad trail spanning from near Alice to Nevadaville. The route climbs from 9,350 feet to 10,978 feet, winding through dense evergreen forests with views of surrounding peaks, including Mount Pisgah. High-clearance 4WD vehicles with low range are recommended to navigate the steep, narrow, and rocky terrain.
The trail features a heavily chewed-up rocky section in the middle, along with numerous confusing intersections where GPS navigation is essential. While open year-round, winter snow and spring mud make late summer and autumn the best times to visit. Along the way, travelers can spot remnants of the area's 1890s mining boom.
Difficulty
Difficult. There are no obstacles, just a chewed up rocky section in the middle. The rest of the trail is narrow, rocky and steep in places. The biggest challenge is to not get lost.
History
During the 1890s, a bustling mining town named Yankee Hill thrived at this location. Although only a barren hillside remains today, the area is documented in historical accounts of Colorado ghost towns, making it a rich site of interest for offroaders tracing the region's historic mining boom.
Access Description
The route is open year-round, but heavy winter snow can make it impassable for standard high-clearance 4WD vehicles. A GPS is highly recommended for navigation due to numerous confusing trail intersections. Offroaders should remain on designated routes to respect surrounding private property and historical mining claims.
