Red Elephant Hill Hike

The Red Elephant Hill Hike is an exciting adventure through the James Peak Wilderness. Shared with mountain bikers and OHVs, this trail is a popular gathering spot for outdoor adventurers. Trek the wide dirt road up to the summit of Red Elephant Hill and around the surrounding wilderness. If you are hiking, be careful of speedy OHVs passing by—do your best to stay on the shoulder of the road.

Embark on your adventure around Red Elephant Hill Hike from the Red Elephant Hill Trail from the gate. Ascend the steep, forested valley up to the summit of Red Elephant Hill. Enjoy the vistas of the neighboring peaks from atop the hill. When you are ready, continue hiking the Red Elephant Hill Trail through the woodlands and past granite outcrops. Eventually you will encounter an intersection. From here the loop can be completed in either direction but we prefer to hike this one clockwise. Turn left and you will be diverted onto the North Empire Creek Trail. Follow this route all the way around the loop, ignoring other merging and intersecting paths.

Hike along the route as it weaves you between trees and exposed ridges. The path will gradually curve you back towards the Red Elephant Hill Trail. Just prior to meeting back up with the trail, you will notice a log cabin called the “Empire Hilton”. Hike past the charming shack and when you meet back up with the Red Elephant Hill Trail, take it and retrace your steps along the route all the way back to the trailhead.