Shelf Road, Phantom Canyon

Shelf Road, Phantom Canyon

  • Photos (4)

  • Directions

Shelf Road, Phantom Canyon
Shelf Road, Phantom Canyon
Show in App

Distance

60.5 mi

Technical Rating

3 Easy

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Type

High-Clearance 4x4 Trail

Accessible By

Trail Overview

This is a heavily used network of trails that starts just south of Cripple Creek. A former stage coach route, Shelf Road takes you on a ride through history with old mines and ghost towns. A number of 4X4 roads leave from Shelf Road west of Sand Gulch Campground, and near The Banks Campground, one of the most popular climbing areas in Colorado. This is a steep, rugged ride. Make sure to visit Red Canyon Park for the unique red rocks. Unlicensed vehicles may ride on the side roads, but are not allowed on the main loop.

Weather

Show in App

Status Reports

Corey Griffiths
Dec 08, 2024
2024 Ford Bronco
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
I did the northwest side between The Bank campground and cripple creek town. Trail was open with a bit of mud and grippy snow, but only about 5% and nothing that an AWD with normal clearance and grippy tires can’t do. Views were great!
Matt Heckroth
Oct 18, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet
Washboard
I did the trail on a ADV bike. West side of the trail is a bit more difficult - East side is pretty much a scenic drive and can be done by most AWD vehicles. Northeast end was pretty muddy and I was sliding around.
Barney Royalty
Sep 08, 2024
2024 Subaru Outback
Open
Normal
Washboard
Took it from Cripple Creek down to Canon City. The obstruction reported last August has been removed so the road is clear again.
Kim Villarreal
Aug 14, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
Washout
Shelf Road just north of Helena Gulch. Upper rocks gave way in that weather we had Tuesday. As far as I know Phantom Canyon is still open.

Go Farther

Try onX Offroad Elite for free for a week — no strings attached. Get access to thousands of off-road dirt trails and snowmobile trails across the nation. View your favorite zones in 3D. Send trails to friends. Start planning the trip of a lifetime now.

Show in App