The journey begins in Steamboat Springs, where the towering Elk Mountain, known locally as the “Sleeping Giant,” dominates the skyline. According to Ute legend, the giant was a benevolent protector of the valley, cursed to eternal slumber after breaking his oath of peace. As the route winds westward, participants will pass through the Sage Creek Canyon near Hayden, where rugged cliffs rise above the sagebrush plains, marking the passage of countless pioneers who traversed this land.

Heading south, the trail climbs toward Dunckley Pass, a remote gateway to the White River Plateau. Along the way, the ghost town of Dunckley offers a glimpse into Colorado’s homesteading era, when settlers carved out lives in this rugged wilderness. Nearby Trout Creek winds through lush meadows, where the waters teem with native fish, echoing a time when these streams sustained both wildlife and early settlers.

Yellowjacket Pass offers sweeping views of the surrounding plateau, its name a nod to the buzzing insects that once plagued the wagon trains crossing this area.

The route descends into Meeker, a town with a storied past rooted in the early ranching industry and infamous conflicts between settlers and the Ute people. The town’s name honors Nathan Meeker, an Indian agent whose controversial policies led to the tragic events of the Meeker Massacre in 1879. Today, Meeker stands as a testament to Colorado’s complex and often tumultuous history.

Crossing into the White River Plateau, the route traverses the historic Hay Flat region, once a vital grazing area for early ranchers. Here, the land tells the story of resilience, with ranching families enduring harsh winters and isolation to make this area their home. Further on,

On the second leg, the journey takes adventurers through Buford, a tiny community that once served as a bustling stagecoach stop, and past Spring Cave, a geological wonder that remains an enticing destination for explorers. This section of the route skirts the Flat Tops Wilderness, with its iconic volcanic plateaus and dramatic cliffs, offering unparalleled vistas and a sense of Colorado’s ancient geological past.

The final stretch heads north toward 20 Mile Road, a vital artery of the region’s coal mining history. The remains of the 20 Mile Mine stand as a testament to the labor that helped fuel Colorado’s growth. Crossing back through the Yampa Valley, the route culminates in Steamboat Springs, leaving participants with a sense of awe at the region’s rugged landscapes and the resilience of those who called it home.

Nearby Camping:
Steamboat Springs KOA 
Buffalo Pass
Rabbit Ears Pass
Stagecoach reservoir

Provisions:
City Market – Steamboat
Safeway – Steamboat

Fuel:
Kum & Go – Steamboat
Conoco – Steamboat

*this route may change due to conditions/closures/fire

Natural and Historical Highlights

•Elk Mountain/Sleeping Giant: A geological and cultural landmark with ties to Ute mythology, visible from Steamboat Springs.

•Sage Creek Canyon: A dramatic canyon near Hayden, steeped in the legacy of westward expansion.

•Ghost Town of Dunckley: A window into the lives of early homesteaders, nestled near Dunckley Pass.

•Hamilton: A community with deep ranching roots, reflecting the perseverance of Colorado’s early settlers.

•Yellowjacket Pass: A scenic and historically significant route used by pioneers.

•Meeker: A town with a complex history of conflict and resilience, rooted in ranching and frontier life.

•Hay Flat and White River Plateau: Expansive grazing lands with ties to early ranching and agricultural development.

•Buford and Spring Cave: A historic stagecoach stop and a natural cave system, both rich in intrigue and adventure.

•Dunckley Pass and Trout Creek: Remote wilderness areas known for their natural beauty and historical significance.

•20 Mile Road and Mine: A coal mining hub integral to the region’s industrial heritage.