How long is Peru Creek Trail?

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Peru Creek Trail in Colorado's Summit County. Seriously, this mountain road is a total knockout.

This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a 6.3-mile unpaved gem (Forest Service Road 260) that kicks off on Montezuma Road at a cool 10,022 feet and climbs all the way up to Horseshoe Basin at a dizzying 12,335 feet. That's a climb of 2,313 feet, with an average gradient of around 7%.

Now, here's the deal: you can totally cruise the first 4.7 miles in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle. It's a pretty chill road, and you'll have room to pass other cars. But beyond the Shoe Basin Mine, it turns into a proper old-school 4WD track. Technically, it's closed to motorized vehicles past that point, but it's still totally drivable.

Keep in mind that because it's so high up in the White River National Forest, you can usually only access it from March to November. Expect snow lingering in Horseshoe Basin until July, but the lower parts will open up earlier.

Trust me, it's worth it! It's right next to a more intense road, but Peru Creek is an awesome SUV adventure in its own right. Think stunning views, great hiking, and access to other cool trails like Warden Gulch, Chihuahua Gulch, and Cinnamon Gulch.

Plus, you'll get a peek into Colorado's mining history with tons of well-preserved buildings. Keep your eyes peeled for the chalk-white stream. It looks amazing, but heads up: the water contains heavy metals, so don't drink it or let your pets drink it!