Argentine Pass Trailhead

Location

RangeFront Range

Elevation11,050'

Lat/Lon39.60866, -105.79999

14ersGrays Peak, Torreys Peak

Road Difficulty

3 Easy 4WD/AWD, good clearance

Easy 4WD (good clearance recommended) up to the gate closure near Shoe Basin mine.

Driving Directions

This trailhead is used to access both Argentine Pass and Horseshoe Basin. Take U.S. 6 to the west end of Keystone. If you are driving east on U.S. 6, take the exit for Montezuma Road before U.S. 6 begins its climb to Loveland Pass. If you are driving west (from Loveland Pass), turn left into the River Run area of the Keystone Ski Resort. Take another quick left and drive a bit to get to the Montezuma Road. Drive ~4.3 miles on the Montezuma road and turn left on the 260 (dirt) road. There is a large parking area at the start of this road. From the parking area, drive 4.5 miles along Peru Creek to the Argentine Pass trailhead at 11,050', just below the Shoe Basin Mine. The road is gated beyond the trailhead.

On-Site Info

ParkingParking area has room for 15 cars. After that you'll have to park along the road.

CampingDispersed camping along Peru Creek but it's popular on the weekend. No good camping spots near the trailhead parking.

Restrooms?No

Fees?No

Photos

Winter Access

The Peru Creek (260) road is closed at the start.

Trailhead added by BillMiddlebrook

Status Updates
Map


10/12/2021 Posted On: 10/14/2021 By: wolfgangstiller Info: Road is passable by 2wd but there are a lot of pot holes and one snow packed area but 4wd not needed. Most pot holes can be driven more easily by utilizing the edges of the road.
9/25/2021 Posted On: 9/26/2021 By: Carl_Healy Info: Pretty much same as last updates. Adding pics. Potholes and bumps. No steep sections. Some places where a bit of clearance might be recommended but my RWD F-150 made it fine. Saw a sedan at the trailhead (that car may have still scrapped somewhere?)		4
9/23/2021 Posted On: 9/24/2021 By: rijaca Info: The usual pothole and washboard conditions. IMHO 2/6.
9/18/2021 Posted On: 9/20/2021 By: jvrudd Info: Definitely a "3" with some mild pot holes, rocks, and few spots you better slow down on. 2WD can make it easily if you just pay attention. Best part was only 5 cars in the parking lot at 7am on a Saturday. Note: The road ends at the parking lot. Save yourself the 5-point turn and don't explore around the corner. A couple guys in a Ford Escape messed up the turn and had to be towed out today.
8/14/2021 Posted On: 8/14/2021 By: madmattd Info: This road shouldn't be ranked a 3 imo... definitely don't need 4WD and clearance isn't all that critical either. A "2" feels right based on other similar rated roads I've driven. Based on my experience here last year I had no qualms driving my ~6" clearance 2WD wagon all the way to the parking lot. A Mini Cooper pulled in shortly after me... Most other vehicles there today were your usual AWD crossovers, trucks, etc. The road is bumpy with rocks and small potholes all over, the last stretch from the road fork (for Penn. Mine) to the TH is the worst. You're going to go slow no matter what vehicle you drive, but moderate clearance is sufficient as long as you know how to pick a line here and there.
7/17/2021 Posted On: 7/17/2021 By: tracie_marie Info: Easy peasy in a Forester
6/17/2021 Posted On: 6/17/2021 By: GordoByrn Info: Clear to the gate
6/11/2021 Posted On: 6/11/2021 By: cougar Info: Pesky snowdrift 0.25 miles from TH. It has big tracks but easy for most vehicles to get stuck. Not worth it, parked fine just before it.
6/6/2021 Posted On: 6/6/2021 By: CairnColorado Info: One can drive right up to ~0.25 miles from the Argentine Pass trailhead. You can see the Shoe Basin Mine from the first snow patch on the road. By the tracks, some vehicles got through this short one. There is a second, longer snow patch on the road with no evidence of anyone having driven through it. It isnt worth going up the first snow patch to park slightly closer. Also consider that as the day warms up, the snow gets really slushy. I saw a truck attempt to go up the first snow patch & with the slush, it was like the truck had zero traction as the wheels spun in place. The snow will likely not last past June.
6/1/2021 Posted On: 6/1/2021 By: bergsteigen Info: Peru Creek Rd is dry/passable till 4.3 miles from the gate. After that a significant snowfield crosses the meadow. Dont go beyond the split with 262 if uncomfortable with a 3 pt turn, or have the clearance to back up for a long ways. Had to convince a Jeep Wrangler to turn around, since I wasnt backing the Subi down the rough road! Theres enough room for it right at the start of the snow. Will likely melt more before the next weekend.
5/2/2021 Posted On: 5/2/2021 By: TakeMeToYourSummit Info: Gate is locked at the start of the Peru Creek Road until May 20th (per a sign).
9/27/2020 Posted On: 9/27/2020 By: LetsGoMets Info: Dry to parking area, AWD accessible.
9/14/2020 Posted On: 9/14/2020 By: Unknown Info: I was the last spot around 1-2PM. 2wd capable, I personally wouldn't. Limited dispersed camping & easy in a truck
8/8/2020 Posted On: 8/8/2020 By: madmattd Info: A lot of holes to dodge, and a tad rocky at times, but nothing terrible. Easily done in a crossover-type vehicle, and there were even a couple mid-clearance sedans at/near the TH that made it fine.
6/20/2020 Posted On: 6/22/2020 By: RyGuy Info: Road is in summer conditions, no notable issues. It's even Subaru-able if so desired!

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