Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While many trails in Clear Creek County are maintained by the Clear Creek County Trails Crew and supplemental volunteers, these trails have a variety of property owners and land managers, some public some private. Federal, City and State agencies such as the USFS (US Forest Service), Town of Georgetown, City of Idaho Springs, Colorado State Land Board and the Clear Creek County Open Space Commission, along with nongovernmental organizations such as the HDPLC (Historic District Public Lands Commission), MALT (Mountain Area Land Trust), etc. are ultimately responsible for decisions regarding overall trail management for their trails. 

Feedback regarding conditions or recommendations regarding any trails in Clear Creek County can be submitted via email to trails@clearcreekcounty.us.

There are more than 100 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails in Clear Creek County. Some trails are well-marked, mapped and regularly maintained, while others are not promoted and more primitive in nature. Please be aware of the type of trail and recommended use prior to embarking on your journey.

Click here to see trail maps in Clear Creek County.

All “multi-use” trails designated as "non-motorized” are open to hiking, biking, equestrian and other nonmotorized uses unless otherwise marked. Please note that mechanized devices (including Bicycles) are NOT allowed in any federally designated “Wilderness Areas”, details at: https://www.fs.fed.us/managingland/wilderness. Refer to specific trail descriptions for the recommended use of each trail, as these indicate the TMO (Trail Management Objective) for that trail. Caution is advised if you plan to utilize the trail for other than recommended uses. All Forest Service roads in Clear Creek County are open to non-motorized use. 

OHV and Jeep Trails – OHVs (UTV, dirt bike, side-by-side, etc.) with a valid Colorado OHV registration / permit as described here are allowed on most, but not all, Forest Service roads in Clear Creek County – check the motor vehicle use map (MVUM) for details. Most campground roads do NOT allow OHV use. Street legal vehicles with current license tags are allowed on ALL Forest Service and County roads within Clear Creek County, although use of high-clearance 4WD vehicles is recommended in many cases. Vehicles that are not street legal (including all OHV type vehicles) or that do not have current license tags are NOT allowed on any County roads at this time.

 Class 1 (pedal assist) e-bikes are allowed on Clear Creek County Trails, but are NOT currently allowed on USFS Trails (including those within the County). Class 1 e-bikes are defined as: The electric drive system on the e-bike can only be activated through a pedaling action (no throttle) and are limited to a motor powered speed of 20 mph (32 kph) with motor wattage of 750 watts or less.  Due to the low speed of operation and required pedaling action, Class 1 e-bikes have the same trail impacts, and thus benefit from, the same rights and access privileges as non-assist bicycles and are able to be used on streets, bike lanes, multi-use bike paths and off-road trails (unless otherwise noted).

75% of all public land in Clear Creek County is publicly-owned, with much of that owned and managed by the US Forest Service or Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Dogs on leash are allowed on most trails in Clear Creek County unless otherwise marked. Dogs are NOT allowed off leash on any trails or public land within the County. Increased problems with off-leash dogs and owners who don’t clean up after their pets have recently resulted in increased enforcement and fines. Off-leash dogs are problematic for wildlife and other trail users. Please be courteous - leash your dog and please clean up after them.

Forest Service roads and trails are open 24-hrs. Most County trails are open from dawn until dusk unless otherwise posted. 

Parking is allowed in designated parking areas and completely off the side of roads in pullouts. Parking is NOT allowed on the sides of any roads in Clear Creek County where the vehicle is not completely off the road.  Vehicles partially on the roadway (including paved or dirt roads) present safety hazards for Emergency Personnel and other vehicles traveling along the roadway. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed per County regulations. 

Alcohol is allowed, intoxicated trail users (motorized and non-motorized) are not.  Please clean up after yourself and leave no trace.

The Trails Team offers updates periodically. Click here to see alerts and updates on trails in Clear Creek County.

 Clear Creek is a small county of less than 10,000 people that experiences millions of tourists coming to enjoy hundreds of miles of renown trails and trailheads.  We also work to maintain historical sites that preserve history for many others in the future to enjoy. Your money will help our mission to fund these efforts and support the hardworking Trails Team.

If you would like to contribute to these efforts, please follow the directions below and utilize the link below to access our donation portal. All funds go directly to the Clear Creek County Trails Team and will be used for the labor and equipment required to preserve our delicate natural resources while providing exceptional access to some amazing places! These efforts help to provide access to exceptional recreationally opportunities close to Denver.

Click here for information on how to get involved.