Twisting, climbing, breathtaking drive through historic mining country to authentic Western gambling town. Alternate route through Russell Gulch has same destination, but takes you deeper into the back country. Great stores and restaurants in downtown Idaho Springs at the start. No unlicensed vehicles. No seasonal closures.
(303) 567-3000Arapaho N.F., Clear Creek R.D.
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Provide an Update08/15/2021
Submitted by Richard
On the trail at 39.77202, -105.51628 the road has been rerouted. Traveling from the East, rather than heading SW, go west another 500-600 feet and turn hard left. This appears to be rerouted for the benefit of private property.
09/19/2017
Submitted by Chis
Traveled this one today. The gate at Waypoint 6 remains unlocked, but you can no longer bear left once you go through it as the road intersection has been realigned. Instead, you just have to keep going straight a few hundred yards then make the first hard left turn onto the new section (there’s no signage and it almost looks like a driveway, but it’s not). The old section of the road has been torn up and is barricaded by large concrete blocks.
07/13/2017
Submitted by Charles Wells
Lots of street construction in Idaho Springs made it difficult to get to the start. Had to weave around on lesser residential streets. Directions to the start may have to be changed after construction is complete. I also got a shock when I re-drove Russel Gulch. There was a huge metal gate at Waypoint 06, however, it was NOT locked. I talked to a local resident who said, by law, the gate must remain open. Let’s hope he is right.
