Off-Road Jones Pass Road to the Continental Divide

Starting at 10,312 feet and climbing to 12,495 feet in elevation this 6.9 mile out and back 4x4 trail offers incredible views and dispersed camping opportunities. Close to I-70 and Denver it is the perfect escape from the city. Take exit 232 from I-70 W and continue on US-40 W to Henderson Mine Rd. The trail begins just to the right of the Henderson Molybdenum Mine entrance where there is a large staging area for all of your off road toys. 

The trail starts in the trees slowly climbing above the timberline and onto the Continental Divide. While some of the switchbacks are near steep edges, which can be spooky, the trail remains wide and easy to navigate with plenty of room for traffic to pass. As you climb, dispersed camping sites can be found all along the trail.

Atop Jones Pass you have incredible views of the basin you just came up as well as snow covered peaks to the west. There is plenty of parking there to get out and explore the Continental Divide. A cornice that holds snow at the very top may cover the road in the early summer. A quick hike to the top for a peak west is definitely worth it. There are usually steps carved out of the snow. Continuing down the other side of the pass there are more switchbacks, that are a bit sharper, but still relatively easy to navigate. The trail ends at the bottom near the Bobtail Mine. You have to go back up and out the way you came in.