Nellie Creek Trailhead

Posted On: 10/5/2026 By: two lunches
Info: 2019 Toyota 4Runner
3" OME lift
287/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires

it took me 30 minutes to drive from the 2WD lot to the upper TH. my previous visit was in 2020 and i found this year's road to be, as advertised, in comparatively immaculate shape. the creek crossing, is now a non-obstacle, and i'd generally rate this as a 2/5 now, but there were (2) spots above it that did require an ounce of patience/thoughtfulness.

Posted On: 9/25/2026 By: hobbes7714
Info: Camped at the trailhead 9/22/26 and drove out the next day. The road is in fairly good shape: did it with a stock, 1999 Toyota 4Runner and a mediocre driver (me) behind the wheel. Some obstacles and slow driving but not real show-stopper moments. I did Cinnamon pass (from the west) the previous day and found that route to be more challenging.

Posted On: 9/10/2026 By: ML_Elevation
Info: Road was in pretty good shape for a rough road mostly dry and not too many obstacles. My 2019 ford explorer sport made it just fine with minimal effort. Also had some all weather tires, the hardest part was the quick switch back after the first river crossing. But otherwise an easy trail as of this past weekend. I would say looking at the soil type if it was wet this would be a differing post.

Posted On: 9/5/2026 By: Steelernation
Info: Made it unscathed in a 2023 RAV4. Saw 2 newer Subarus at the trailhead as well, everything else was trucks and 4wd SUVs.

There were rocks strewn everywhere the first ~3 miles so I was stressed about getting a flat the whole time, but the only real difficulty for the car was a deep, muddy rut about 2.5 miles in.

Took 45 mins from the turnoff and 60 from Lake City on the way up, a bit longer on the way down due to having to pull off or stop to let people pass.

Posted On: 9/1/2026 By: Yhelene
Info: Did the 4wd trail head on 9/1 in a TRD off road stock. Muddy between the 2 creek crossings and tight switch backs but overall not hard. If you ever see anyone saying South colony lakes trail is harder, I strongly disagree. Never even had to go into 4L for this one. Just take your time in the mud and you’re fine.

Posted On: 8/31/2026 By: pthomps17
Info: Drove to the 4wd trailhead on 8/29 in my Subaru Forester with no issues. There were several recent reviews this year that made me question how easy this road would be (especially the ones posted 6/24 and 7/2), but this was by far the easiest level-3 road I’ve driven so far and I’ve done quite a few of them. Did not have a single issue and couldn’t even identify a crux on the route (maybe a few steep switchbacks?). And tbh I’m not one to push my vehicle very hard.

Lots of places to pull over and let others pass, and a few pretty good campsites before reaching the upper TH.

Posted On: 8/30/2026 By: Holler Wanderer
Info: Road is now open per an amended FS order. This was honestly one of the easiest 4wd roads I've driven to a 14er trailhead - very smooth and not rocky. The hardest part was some of the steep switchbacks, but any crossover with decent clearance (i.e. Rav4, Escape, Bronco Sport, Subaru) can make it.

Posted On: 8/28/2026 By: BillMiddlebrook
Info: Road is open

Posted On: 8/11/2026 By: minnesotanclimber
Info: I took the Nellie Creek road to the 4WD trailhead today (8/11). The road is open per the Forest Service, though it has been closed in the last few days. Check the Forest Service website for the Elk Fire before departing.

I drove a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on A/T tires in 4WD low. This road is graded a 3/6 and was probably the roughest 3 I have driven, but is definitely still a 3. The first half of the road going up is just plain rocky and is more about choosing lines. The second half had its smoother sections, but contains more obstacles like creek crossings (they are not deep right now), sharp uphill turns, and one deep rut section. The trail is also busy with OHVs/side by sides this time of year. It took me roughly 45m to get up and 30m to get down.

Posted On: 8/7/2026 By: CowboyDan
Info: Closed again, likely due to increased Elk Fire activity. Drove to TH only to be disappointed D:

Posted On: 7/30/2026 By: RCBurnout11
Info: Drove to Nellie Creek TH today. I'm assuming based on the previous updates that the road has been regraded during the closure for the Elk fire. No major obstacles of any kind, just some steep/narrow sections and a couple of dirt humps closer to the top. One muddy section that's pretty flat. There was a Nissan Rogue at the trailhead this morning and my Crosstrek got there effortlessly, so if you have decent clearance and know the limitation of your car, you're probably good to attempt it.

Posted On: 7/18/2026 By: RWinters
Info: Due to the Elk fire Nellie Creek road was closed on 7/17. There was some discussion it may re-open as early as today given more favorable fire conditions with rain and humidity.

Posted On: 7/5/2026 By: bblack94
Info: The worst muddy spot can be easily driven around. The road is pretty bumpy but otherwise in good condition. I personally would never attempt it without 4WD.

Posted On: 7/2/2026 By: roberthailey
Info: 4WD is a must. The road is ridiculous, but doable as long as you don't meet someone going the other way.

Posted On: 7/10/2026 By: oncdoc
Info: Rough road with deep dips, two stream crossings. rented 4x4 in Lake city and glad I did. Amazingly there were two subarus that made it to the top (I have no idea how).