Hell Roaring Trail #1960

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

The Hell Roaring Trail #1960 is an oft-overlooked adventure that carries you over an alpine ridgeline separating Capitol Creek and Avalanche Creek. It offers amazing views from a corner of the Elk Range that sees much less traffic than other areas.

From the Capitol Ditch trailhead hike up the rugged road toward the true start of the Hell Roaring Trail. One can drive up this road past the Capitol Ditch trailhead, but the going is extremely rough and burly 4x4 vehicles are recommended. Once on the Hell Roaring Trail #1960, climb steadily through the old conifer forest and bright aspen groves toward the Williams Lake turnoff. When you reach the trail junction, continue straight/left to continue on the Hell Roaring Trail, or check out Williams Lake (additional 1.5 miles, roundtrip).

As you continue your climb up the Hell Roaring Trail, you'll eventually leave the sub-alpine zone and work your way above treeline, aiming for the long and winding ridge that separates Capitol Peak from the Mt. Sopris massif. Once at the ridgecrest take in the spectacular 360° views. From this point you can turn around and descend back to the trailhead where you started, or drop off the west side into the Avalanche Creek drainage. The most intrepid day hikers, trail runners, and backpackers may choose to complete the loop by going all the way to Avalanche Lake, and then linking back into the Capitol Creek drainage via the Capitol Creek Trail, and eventually taking the Capitol Ditch Trail back to their starting point.

Because this area of the range sees much less traffic than other areas, it is not uncommon to see all kinds of wildlife on this hike, including many different bird species, deer, elk, marmot, and possibly black bear.