Pole Hill Road
Overview
- Total Trail Miles: 8.4 mile loop
- Drive Time: 1 1/2 hours
- Location: Estes Park CO
- Skill Level: Moderate
- Fee: Colorado OHV permit required
- Usage: Moderate
- Open: 6/15 – 11/30
- Vehicles Allowed: Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, full sized
Short, Sweet Ride With Views For Miles
Located just 3 miles east of Estes Park, this trail makes it easy to get in a short, sweet ride. Trail starts off Hwy 36, also called N. St. Vrain Ave.
Pole Hill Road is Forest Service Rd. #122, but Pole Hill OHV trail actually consists of a few different roads.
In the map above, you can see the route connects 3 small loops into a sweeping ride through the hills. This route includes roads 122, 122 A, 247 A and 247 B.
There used to be a more direct connector road between the East and West loops, but it no longer exists. This road has been revegetated, so it’s no longer open to traffic.
For the most part, this trail is an easy ride, but the start (about 1/10th of a mile) is a bit rough, so this kicks up the overall rating to a moderate.
There are a few rocky sections, but nothing too difficult.
The trailhead parking area is very small with only enough room for a couple trailers, so plan accordingly.
Estes Park is famous for it’s stunning mountain scenery and this ATV trail doesn’t disappoint.
Riders will enjoy looking down on the Estes Park valley as well as views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains including the Mummy Range, Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak.
For such a short ride, this trail really delivers on the scenery.
Best Guide Book For Pole Hill Road & Colorado
Northern Colorado FunTreks Guide covers this ride along with 89 other Colorado ATV trails convenient to Denver and the Front Range.
- Colorado residents are required to register their OHVs with Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Colorado residents with plated vehicles (offroad and street legal, including motorcycles) must purchase a permit
- Non-residents are not required to register their out of state OHVs in Colorado
- Non-residents must purchase a permit (whether or not you chose to register)
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife – OHV registration and permits
Camping On Pole Hill Road
Although this trail starts on private land, most of Pole Hill Road is in the Roosevelt National Forest, so free camping is allowed.
There are many open camping areas where you can just pull in and camp.
This is a beautiful backcountry camping area. You can easily snag a campsite with unsurpassed views, much nicer than you’re likely to find in established campgrounds.
No water, facilities or bathrooms – rustic dry camping only. Pack it in, pack it out!
Due to the rocky start, this trail is not recommended for trailers or RVs.
There are often fire bans in place, so check before you burn.
Black bears frequent the area, so use proper food storage.
Colorado has some of the most dramatic ATV trails in the US. Two of the best are the Alpine Loop and Imogene Pass Road in the Silverton / Ouray Colorado area.
Red Cone just outside of Keystone Ski Resort is a fun ride if you’re up for a challenge.
For a little sand dune action, head on over to North Sand Hills OHV Area in Cowdrey, Colorado.