Red Elephant Hill
Difficulty
Hard
Length
3 hours, rocky, steep, narrow, technically challenging trail, starts in Idaho Springs
About the trail
Red Elephant Hill is the hardest 3 hour trail within an hour of Denver. It is a continuous climb up a ledgey mining road first developed in 1876 by the Red Elephant Mining Company.
Colorado pinstriping at its best, hanging on the side of the mountain, and tight switchbacks that all lead to the rewarding big meadow at the top (this was the site of the town Red Elephant). Options for full day tours would be continuing to the Bill Moore Lake.
Additional fees apply, call for details. ($100 extra).
Absolutely no beginners.
