Grays Peak Trailhead

Front Range

Road Difficulty

3 Easy 4WD/AWD, good clearance

Location11,280 feet
39.66087, -105.78462

Driving Directions

Take I-70 to the Bakerville exit (#221). Leave the highway and drive south over to the dirt parking area near the start of Forest Road 189. This is the winter trailhead and even if the upper road is open, low-clearance passenger cars should park here. It's almost 3 miles to the summer trailhead. Continue up the Grays Peak (189) road. After 1 mile, stay straight at a junction. Continue another 2 miles to the trailhead, at 11,280'. There are restrooms and a few dispersed camping spots near the parking area.

Notes

Normally it's Rough 2WD to the TH but some years it gets rough and might require 4WD. It always requires good-clearance. Don't attempt this road in a low clearance 2WD vehicle.

PARKING ISSUE
The Clear Creek County Sheriff no longer allows parking along the road to the trailhead. They say they will ticket those who do so and you'll see "No Parking" signs along the road. So, get up there very early and if the trailhead parking is full, you'll have to drive back down to the bottom of the road and walk up.

Trailhead Status Updates

Most Recent Update 8/7/2026:

Arrived 9:30pm'ish on Thursday, 8/6. Upper lot was mostly full but there were still spots in the lower lot and above the bathrooms, which steadily filled up over night. At 4:30 Friday people were still arriving and finding places to park. Road in was okay. High clearance recommended but suppose you could make it with 2WD right now. Some major ruts/holes but you can navigate around most. Passe...

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Winter Access

Closed at the start of the 189 road, near I-70.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees

Parking: Parking for about 40 cars and it fills up very early in the morning. There are a few more spots up past the restrooms.
Camping: No official campgrounds but there are a number of dispersed camping spots near the parking area and up past the restrooms.
Restrooms: Yes
Fees: No

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