Hells Hole Trail
A moderate 8.5-mile hike through Colorado's wilderness, offering stunning summit views, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Hells Hole Trail
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate 8.5-mile hike through Colorado's wilderness, offering stunning summit views, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse wildlife.
"Enjoyable hike with a beautiful view at the end, surprisingly not that busy even on a Saturday."
🚗 AWD for Winter
Ensure you have AWD or 4WD for winter hikes; roads are not maintained.
🌸 July Wildflowers
Visit in July for stunning wildflower displays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit View
End of the trail
A rewarding panoramic vista awaits after a moderate climb, offering stunning forest and mountain scenery.
Wildflower Fields
Along the trail
In July, the trail bursts with a vibrant array of wildflowers, creating a picturesque and fragrant hiking experience.
Creek Crossings
Various points on the trail
Navigate gentle creek crossings, adding an element of adventure to your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Access
Wildlife & Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 AWD for Winter
Ensure you have AWD or 4WD for winter hikes; roads are not maintained.
🌸 July Wildflowers
Visit in July for stunning wildflower displays.
🐻 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for rabbits, and be aware of potential bear or mountain lion presence.
🥾 Moderate Difficulty
Rated moderate, suitable for most hikers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 AWD for Winter
Ensure you have AWD or 4WD for winter hikes; roads are not maintained.
🌸 July Wildflowers
Visit in July for stunning wildflower displays.
🐻 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for rabbits, and be aware of potential bear or mountain lion presence.
🥾 Moderate Difficulty
Rated moderate, suitable for most hikers.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for breathtaking forest and summit panoramas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hells Hole Trail for its rewarding summit views and beautiful forest scenery, noting it's often less crowded than expected. The trail is considered moderately difficult and offers a great opportunity to see wildflowers in July and diverse wildlife. Some mention the need for AWD in winter and the presence of hunters.
"This was a great hike and not too hard. We went yesterday, and there were only 2 other people on the trail, so it was notice to finally feel like we were in the wilderness (not on a crowded trail). I recommend you only go up there with AWD in the winter since the road isn't maintained well."
Steven Bernstein (Stevieb)
"to see the Hells Hole U have to cross the creek & climb 300' to the top of the ridge. which is almost as high as Wolf Mtn. well worth it"
DAVID PAIR
"Enjoyable hike through the forest with a beautiful view at the end. I would rate this trail as moderate in difficulty. Surprisingly, it was not that busy even on a Saturday. The abrupt end of the trail at the very end is very worth it. There were lots of big rabbits with black fur and white feet that like hop around, hide under trees and refuse to stay still for a photo. Seems like a good habitat for bears and mountain lions but I wasn’t lucky to encounter any. No mosquitoes on a cloudy mid-August Saturday which was nice since I don’t use bug spray."
Bison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hells Hole Trail is located in the Mount Evans Wilderness, Arapaho National Forest, near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Access may require AWD or 4WD, especially in winter due to unmaintained roads.
The road is generally not maintained, particularly during winter months. AWD or 4WD is highly recommended for safe passage.
Yes, but be prepared for snow and ice. AWD is crucial, and trail conditions can include significant snow drifts.
The terrain is described as super-easy and walkable, with some creek crossings.
While generally straightforward, be mindful of creek crossings and potential snow drifts in winter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, no permit is required for day hiking on Hells Hole Trail. However, always check with the Arapaho National Forest for any current regulations or special area restrictions.
There are usually no specific entrance fees for Hells Hole Trail itself, but standard recreation area fees might apply if parking in a designated lot.
Hells Hole Trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Access may be limited by snow in winter.
Dogs are generally allowed on Hells Hole Trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations for pet policies.
While some social media posts mention 4x4 and off-road vehicles, the primary use described in reviews and tips is hiking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 8.5 miles roundtrip with a gain of 1960 feet.
The trail is generally considered moderate in difficulty, with some sections requiring a bit more effort.
Expect beautiful forest scenery, creek crossings, and a rewarding panoramic view at the summit.
Crowds can vary. Some visitors report it being surprisingly not busy, even on Saturdays, while others note it's a popular hiking spot.
You might encounter rabbits, and there's a possibility of seeing bears or mountain lions, though encounters are not guaranteed.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant wildflowers in July, the lush forest canopy, creek crossings, and the expansive summit views.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the forest and landscape shots. Golden hour is particularly beautiful.
The summit offers the most dramatic panoramic views. Don't miss the charming creek crossings and dense forest sections.
A wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
Yes, but maintain a safe distance and never feed or disturb the animals. Patience is key for capturing wildlife shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Family Tips:
- Pace yourselves: Break up the hike into manageable sections.
- Engage their senses: Point out wildflowers, animal tracks, and interesting trees.
- Safety first: Ensure children stay on the trail and away from steep drop-offs.
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts
Off-Road Considerations:
- Vehicle Capability: Ensure your vehicle is suitable for rugged terrain.
- Trail Etiquette: Share the trail respectfully with hikers and other users.
- Environmental Impact: Stay on designated routes to minimize impact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Trail Conditions
Key Takeaways:
- Winter Access: AWD/4WD is crucial; roads are unmaintained.
- Seasonal Beauty: July is peak wildflower season.
- Trail Features: Expect creek crossings and varied terrain.
Remember to be prepared for changing weather and trail conditions, and always inform someone of your hiking plans. The diverse environment means you might encounter anything from lush forests to open ridges, making each visit unique.
Wildlife Encounters & Etiquette
Wildlife Etiquette:
- Observe from afar: Maintain a safe distance.
- No feeding: Never offer food to wild animals.
- Be aware: Make noise to avoid surprising animals.
Social media posts sometimes mention hunters in the area, so it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and potentially wear bright colors if you're concerned.
Respecting the natural habitat and its inhabitants is key to a positive and safe experience on the Hells Hole Trail. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit