Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Hells Hole Trail #53

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (18)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Georgetown
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A little quieter than other trails nearby. ”

Ralph Bradt
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

8.1

Miles

13.1

KM

Out and Back

11,505' 3,507 m

High

9,670' 2,947 m

Low

1,846' 563 m

Up

1,845' 562 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Almost all of this trail is in the Mount Evans Wilderness. Wilderness rules apply.

Drive past the Chicago Creek Campground, the road will dead-end at the parking lot/trailhead. There are vault toilets at the trailhead.

Overview

If you're looking for a quieter getaway without getting TOO far from easy access, this out-and-back might fit the bill. It's a picturesque route with some backpacking opportunities.

Description

Beautiful hike to a glacial cirque that provides a little bit of everything. You begin in an open forest where there are some picnic areas and quickly reach an aspen grove before coming upon bristlecone pines towards the end of the trail. Wildflowers can be found throughout and at the meadow at the end of the trail. The trail itself is well-defined and mostly shaded.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District

Shared By:

Ralph Bradt with improvements by Chelsea Taylor and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 18 votes

#3

in Georgetown

#1090

Overall
  4.3 from 18 votes
5 Star
44%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Georgetown

#217

in Colorado

#1,090

Overall
19 Views Last Month
3,223 Since Dec 12, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
26%
53%
21%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Gray Wolf peaking through the firs
Jul 5, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Aspens on the ascent
Jul 5, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Pines on the trails
Jul 5, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Pines
Jul 5, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Marsh Marigolds and Globeflowers
Jul 5, 2019 near Georgetown, CO
Gray Wolf
Jul 5, 2019 near Georgetown, CO

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 15, 2023
Dmitry S
Jun 28, 2023
Joel Scherer
great trail conditions 4.1mi — 5h 00m
May 6, 2022
Elizabeth Johnson
Went with Josh. Post-holing to waist from 2 mls, quit at 3 mls. One pair of snowshoes. Still postholing. Josh broke my pole.
Jul 11, 2021
Meg Gerold
Trail actually continued for 4.5 miles and our tracker said that there was 3100ft of elevation gain. It was a tough and steep hike but the views fr… 9mi — 5h 13m
Sep 12, 2020
Matt Steen
Aug 20, 2020
Lindsey Howell
Jul 18, 2020
Kristin Stanfa
Jul 18, 2020
Christopher Lee
great hike. beautiful view at the top. first half is tough, 2nd half fairly easy — 8h 42m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started