Yankee Hill Summit Climb

4.6/5 (28 reviews)
Idaho Springs, Colorado (Clear Creek County)
Last Updated: 12/13/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Camping
Situated in the Arapaho National Forest and close to Denver, Colorado, the Yankee Hill 4X4 network is filled with many four-wheel drive trails, but Yankee Hill itself is the crown jewel. While many refer to the area as Yankee Hill, this is the actual summit that gives you the thrill of a moderate hill climb along with incredible high-altitude views, including James Peak, Mt. Bancroft, and Mount Evans.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

The Yankee Hill Summit Climb is a short loop route that can be run in either direction. To take the uphill approach, start at where 175.1 and 175.3H meet. The uphill climb is steep with loose rock and then turns into a dirt and rocky road. Parts of the road may pinstripe wider full-size rigs. A high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle will do just fine. This is an excellent off-road trail for either beginners or those just looking to escape the city. This route is described taking the trail uphill and counterclockwise.

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (28)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ram this with a Rivian, a Gladiator and a Bronco. Definitely passable. A sizable drift on the downhill side cause a winch to be used but you can get around it.
Official Crew
40050
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/12/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Calvary 4-Wheelers ran this trail as part of a meandering route through the Yankee Hill network on Saturday, November 12. The climb was clear and dry. The hill can be somewhat challenging for stock vehicles but by choosing our lines carefully, we were able to make it to the top without a problem. There was a little snow on the return loop but not enough to be significant. The views from the top were spectacular, as always.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/25/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Not too hard, 4lo is a must and take it slow. Pick a good line and watch out for loose rocks. The climb is pretty easy but the descent gets extremely narrow in some places and impassable for larger vehicles due to tight trees. A few minor obstacles that may cause trouble for stock or small lifted vehicles. Just be cautious and take a good angle and you’ll be fine, skid plates and rock sliders will help.
600
Open
Visited: 07/19/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Pretty tight in some places as others have said, but the views were beautiful.
17350
Open
Visited: 07/16/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Trail is open and in good shape although a little tight width wise. The spur is kind of pointless so will be skipping that on the future.

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