Francis Peak Road (FS 009)

Total Miles 4.4
Technical Rating
2 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Francis Peak Road continues up from the intersection of Farmington Canyon Road and Skyline Drive. The route is very scenic, as you will have views from both sides of the mountain. Along the route, you will see multiple areas for camping. There are also two large areas for group parking that include a few minor "obstacle courses" as well. As you near the end of the route, you come to Francis Peak, where you will see domed radars. Francis Peak Road continues toward the right and up to the radars, however, access is limited due to gate closure. Continuing left will place you on Holmes Creek Road. Francis Peak Road is accessible by all vehicle types and does not require high clearance or 4WD. The road is slightly wider but narrows as you climb, still requiring you to pull off to the side for passing.

Photos of Francis Peak Road (FS 009)

Difficulty

This is an unmaintained, bumpy gravel road. There are minor washouts but no water crossings or obstacles. It is 1.5 vehicles wide with adequate room for pulling off to the side for passing.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Dom Hebert
May 24, 2026
Open
Gates are finally open!
James Tanner
May 14, 2026
Open
Bikes can pass through the gate via a small bypass. Roads clear all the way to the top, just have to get through the gate first. Looks like they'll open up soon
Dom Hebert
May 03, 2026
Open
r97
Oct 19, 2025
Open
do not go past the sign. cop will ticket you. I was on the trail to the side and had no clue until I was heading back and saw the closed sign and police officer. then she proceeded to give me a ticket which was a misdemeanor even though I never passed the barricade. DO NOT PASS IT
Andy Marshall
Oct 11, 2025
Open
Roman Hughes
Aug 10, 2025
Open
Trail is dusty but in good condition. Watch out for dirt bikes going way too fast around the blind corners. We only made it partially up to the radars because a dirt biker came around a blind corner and slammed into an oncoming car and had a broken leg and was laying in the middle of the road blocking the trail waiting for first responders. So trail is nice and beautiful but people drive way too fast around the blind corners, so slow down and enjoy the view!
David E
Aug 02, 2025
Open
Better condition than the rest of Skyline
Rick H
Jul 11, 2025
Open
Marcus Jahner
Jun 24, 2025
Open
Sam Petersen
Jun 22, 2025
Open
Beautiful drive - cannot recommend this road enough! Once you start on it off of farmington canyon, you’ll notice its quite a bit rougher / rockier, but I made it. Besides, if the stock toyota corolla i saw at the top could make it, so can you! The outlook at the top near the radio towers is gorgeous, with great views of both farmington and morgan from it. Beautiful all around!
Joshua Zamora
Jun 14, 2025
Open
Next to the gate that goes up to the domes there is a moderate snow drift blocking the trail that takes you to smith lakes.
Andrew F
Jun 07, 2025
Open
open and the snow drifts have been bulldozed so the road is 100% clear to the top
Alden Long
May 28, 2025
Open
Daniel Maloney
May 23, 2025
Open
looks like the roads were washed out with the heavy rainfall.
Nico Rubio
Sep 13, 2024
Open
A little bit busy, nothing too difficult, mostly just gravel. Nice ride up.

Francis Peak Road (FS 009) Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Francis Peak Road (FS 009) Map

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