Mount Pisgah

Mount Pisgah is a pleasant little surprise of a peak. For starters, a well-defined trail (not indicated on any map that I own) stakes up the southeast ridge of the peak. The peak is crowned by a large summit cairn complete with the flag of the USA hanging from a rough aspen log. The views from the top are surprisingly open and vast for a peak of such humble stature. Come to Mount Pisgah expecting a simple little hump of a hill and find yourself pleasantly surprised by this humble little mountain.

Rank: 2267th highest peak in Colorado
Prominence: 421 feet
USGS Map: Central City
Planning Map: Trails Illustrated #103 | Winter Park, Central City, Rollins Pass

 

Profile photo by Kiefer Thomas

Getting There

Mount Pisgah sits a few miles due-west of Central City, which is approximately 38 miles or 45 minutes from Denver via I-70 west. Paved Roads reaching the vicinity of Mount Pisgah are CR 275 (Fall River Road) from the south and CR 279 from the east. From either one of these roads, depending on snow conditions, use either a 4x4 or your boots to reach the mountain.

Routes Overview

       

From Fall River Road

Route Stats from FallRiver Road

Roundtrip Distance: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,650 feet

· Take I-70 to Exit 238 (Fall River Road - paved)

· Travel north approximately 4 miles to HamlinGulch Road (dirt) which may be marked Rt 276.

· From here, the road conditions, your vehicle and your preference for walking vs. hiking will dictate how you proceed.

· Head north on Hamlin Gulch Road to a major south-turning switchback.  DO NOT continue north onthe4 private drive which is gated a few yards up.

· After heading south for a while, the road trends mostly east across the southern flank of Mount Pisgah.

· A connector footpath (visible possibly only with snow) should take you northeast to the John Hicks parking and trailhead at the southeast foot of Mount Pisgah.  Follow the trail to the summit of Mount Pisgah.

 

From Columbine Campground

Route Stats from Campground

Roundtrip Distance: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet

Directions(Courtesy of National Forest Service): From I25 in Denver, take 6th Ave West to state Highway 6, through Clear Creek Canyon. Proceed north on State Highway119, turn left on Gilpin County Road 279 (Gregory St. next to BullwackersCasino) in Black Hawk, follow signs to Central City. Gregory St. changes to Lawrence St, at Central City limits, then changes to Eureka St. midway thru central City. Proceed on Eureka St. until the road turns to gravel \& follow signs to campground. The campground is located 2 miles northwest of Central City on County Road 279. Two and one-half miles northwest of Central City via GilpinCounty Road 3 on Forest Road 176. At the top near the cemeteries, follow the signs to the campground.

From just south of the campground on CC2, followFSR 739.1 (???) southwest to the southeastern foot of Mount Pisgah.  There you will find the parking area and trailhead for the Hicks Trail which takes you to the summit of the peak.

Red Tape

    There are no fees or permits required to access this peak or part at the John Hicks trailhead. Note that there are several parcels of private property on the slopes of Mount Pisgah and many vacation homes nearby. By summiting the peak via the John Hicks Trail, private property concerns can be avoided.

Weather and Seasons

Camping

Columbine Campground

Per The National Forest Service

Located west of Denver and two miles northwest of Central City, Colorado, in a grove of aspen and lodgepole pine. The campground is split into two loops. There are a total of 46 sites available, 41 are suitable for RV camping and 5 are more suitable for tents. Facilities provided include restrooms and water. Each site contains a tent pad, fire grate, and picnic table.

 

Some first come, first serve sites may be available. Sites may be available on a first come, first served basis outside the reservation season. Firewood sold at the campground. There are no electric/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground. Activities include "Peak to Peak" highway and 4-wheeling nearby. Campground is popular with OHV's users.

Reservations: Accepted
Fees: $17 per site per night
Open Season: May through September
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: A single site may hold up to five people. Tents must fit on the pads provided. RVs, trailers or other vehicles must fit on the parking spur because driving or parking off-road is not permitted. The parking length ranges from 25 to 55 feet.
Closest Towns: Central City/Blackhawk, CO
Water: hand water pump/spigot
Restroom: Vault toilet
Operated By: American Land & Leisure
Information Center: Clear Creek Ranger District, 101 Highway 103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 Phone 303-567-3000; Contact Us
Other amenities: The site has picnic tables fire grates.

External Links

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