Kingston Peak Loop

Adventure loop between Rollinsville and Idaho Springs

The Kingston Peak loop is a gravel ride over Kingston Peak’s 12,000 foot summit to St. Mary’s Glacier, before looping back from Idaho Springs on Oh-My-God road. The route is 50+ miles and totals 7,000 feet of climbing, Mostly on chunky 4x4 road at high elevation. Because it is decently challenging and situated in remote areas, this adventure feels more suited to experienced riders.

the ride begins in Rollinsville and heads out on Gilpin County road 16 toward the East Portal of Moffat Tunnel. Unlike Rollins Pass, this route diverges south at Tolland on County Road 4N (Mammoth Gulch) for the climb above timberline. Continue through Kingston Peak’s alpine tundra until you reach the excellent (albeit bumpy) descent into Alice. Afterwards, resupply in Idaho Springs and begin the climb over Oh-My-God road to Central City. For the final stretch you have options- continue navigating jeep roads (Pickle gulch) or rock Peak to Peak for an asphalt finish. 

this ride is a damn good one, especially for how close it is to the front range. It leaves you feeling like you made the most of your day. The beginning half is a true rollercoaster, pushing swiftly from heavy forest to undulating tundra and back. Along the way there are sweeping views of the James Peak Wilderness area, the Continental Divide, and Loch Lomond. An ancient bristlecone pine stand also greets you at the edge of treeline for the hairy descent to St. Mary’s Glacier. On the back half, Oh-My-God road (aka Virginia Canyon) is a gradual, shelf road ascent through some historical mining areas and ghost towns between Idaho Springs and Central City.

remember that rides like this take extra planning and reverence for where you are. it never hurts to check the weather beforehand and to have a trustworthy repair kit just in case. respect vunlerable biomes, stay on trail, and take only pictures.