Red Cone
Park County, Colorado
View this on the Colorado Trailheads Map

Nearby Towns: Grant, Montezuma
Nearby Trails: Radical Hill, Webster Pass
Trail Length: 6.2 miles
Elevation: 9,904 to 12,821 feet

Recommended by Frank
Recommended by Jason
Recommended by Mike C.
Recommended by Nate
Recommended by Perry
Recommended by Walt

Most people think this is a difficult trail, but really you can run it in any stock vehicle with 4-wheel drive. The entire trail is very easy until a brief part down Red Cone. It's VERY steep and often filled with VERY loose rock. If you slip sideways you could have a difficult time recovering. If you slip off of the "trail" going down the Mountain you will most likely die -- the trail is about the width of two cars and about 1,000 feet down to the next flat spot.

That danger is why this trail is not to be taken lightly!

Go slowly, and if your vehicle starts to slide sideways use more gas -- it will straighten your vehicle out. You can't go wrong if you hurry, only if you slow down or stop.

Note that the red dirt covered section of the first hill down Red Cone was made much safer and easier in 2004. The loose rock was largely moved out of the way and the moguls were almost flattened. You can safely stop on this hill now.

Red Cone is a detour off of Webster Pass, with both ends on that trail. You must start from Highway 285 so the trip over Red Cone is a descent.

The beginnings of Red Cone are sometimes rocky, and there is an optional section of rock in loose dirt that will give any vehicle a challenge. There are also lots of tight switchbacks in the trees before you climb above timberline.

You'll leave the trees behind as you climb up to Red Cone. You can see the trail for a long distance in front of you. The views here and for the rest of the trail are amazing.

There are a total of three big hills down from the top. The first one is probably the steepest and scariest one, coming down 250 feet from the top of Red Cone. It is steep but then has some ruts in it which makes it get steeper every once in awhile.

Once you get to the bottom of that hill the second hill follows right away. It is very much like the first hill, though not as long. You will descend 200 feet on this hill.

The third hill is not nearly as steep or narrow and should not be a problem, though it is a loose descent down 250 feet. Once you get to the bottom of this hill you will be at a large parking area and back on Webster Pass. Take the trail to the right to continue out Webster Pass or to take Radical Hill. If you go left you will go back to the start of Webster Pass and back to the entrance to Red Cone.

Member Reports

• July 29, 2006: ran by Bill S., Bob R., Bruce, Dave B., Gary, Ladd and Walt
• August 20, 2005: ran by Bob R., Cheryl, Eric B., Gary, Kendall, Mark F., Mike V., Monica, Perry, Rob C. and Walt
• October 4, 2003: ran by Monica and Nate
• July 19, 2003: ran by Bob S., Dan, Jane, Jenn, Mike S., Monica, Perry and Tom
• September 14, 2002: ran by Kendall, Mike S. and Monica

Driving Directions

Take Highway 285 from Denver past Grant, then turn right on County Road 60. You will see signs to both Webster Pass and Red Cone at just over 5 miles. Turn right here and follow FSR 565 to the top.

Meeting Places

Meet in Conifer on Highway 285 at the Bradley gas station.