Peru Creek Trail is a truly outstanding SUV adventure in Colorado
Usa, north-america
10.1 km
3,055 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for a scenic mountain escape on the Peru Creek Trail in Colorado's Summit County! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of the highest roads in the state!
Forest Service Road 260, aka Peru Creek Trail, is a 6.3-mile unpaved adventure. Starting from Montezuma Road at a cool 10,022 feet, it climbs to Horseshoe Basin at a breathtaking 12,335 feet. That's over 2,300 feet of elevation gain! You'll be heading towards Ruby Mountain and Mount Edwards, so keep your eyes peeled for some incredible views.
The first 4.7 miles are manageable in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle. It's a pretty smooth ride with plenty of room to pass, so you might even spot some passenger cars. But, I'd recommend an SUV with good clearance for peace of mind. Beyond the Shoe Basin Mine, it transforms into an old 4x4 road – drivable, but closed to motorized vehicles.
Nestled in the White River National Forest, Peru Creek Trail is usually open from March to November. Expect snow lingering in Horseshoe Basin well into July, while the lower sections open up earlier in the season.
Parallel to the notorious Argentine Pass, this trail delivers an amazing SUV adventure. It's not too challenging and has awe-inspiring scenery, fantastic hiking trails, and connections to other cool routes. The mining history is rich, with tons of well-preserved structures. Plus, you can explore Warden Gulch, Chihuahua Gulch, and Cinnamon Gulch – bonus!
The views are truly something special. You'll pass mining relics as you climb through a lush alpine basin with a unique chalk-white stream. Pro-tip: that stream gets its color from calcium and heavy metals, so don't drink it, and keep your pets away!
Where is it?
Peru Creek Trail is a truly outstanding SUV adventure in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.2757, -100.7879
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 10.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,055 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.2757, -100.7879
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