Rabbit Ears Peak

Maps:

USGS 7.5' Map:

Rabbit Ears Peak

Statistics:

Difficulty:	Number:	Miles:	Altitude:	Obstacles:	Time:
Moderate 5	FR 291	2.50	10,460 ft.	Rocky, Steep Hill	1-2 hours

County:

Jackson

Adopted by:

Managed by:

Routt National Forest,
Hahns Peak / Bears Ears Ranger District

925 Weiss Drive
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487-9315

970-870-2299

Summary:

Rabbit Ears Peak road is a somewhat challenging route up to the top of Rabbit Ears Peak. This road is also used by hikers and mountain bikers.

Attractions:

Challenge. Scenic Views.

Seasonal
Closure:

Agency - July 1 to December 1

Best Time:

June - Seasonal Closed
July - Best
August - Start of fall colors, best
September - Best fall colors
October - Possible snow

Trail Heads
Accessed:

Camping:

There are no dispersed campsites along the road. Dumont Lake Campground is near the start of the road.

Base Camp:

This would be a good place to base camp and explore the other 4WD roads and hiking trails on Rabbit Ears Pass.

Fall Colors:

Poor - Some aspen on the distant peaks.

Navigation:

From Steamboat Springs, CO head toward 7th Street. Continue to follow US-40 E for 20.3 miles. Turn left onto Buffalo Park Trail/Forest Service 315.1 and go 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service 315.1 and go 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service 311.1 and go 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Rabbit Ears Peak Road.

From Kremmling, CO head toward 5th Street and continue to follow US-40 West for 31.5 miles. Turn right onto Buffalo Park Trail/Forest Service 315.1 and go 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service 315.1 and go 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service 311.1 and go 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Rabbit Ears Peak Road.

History:

Rabbit Ears Peak has a rich history that dates back to the early days of exploration and settlement in the Rocky Mountains. The peak was first recognized by early trappers due to its distinctive appearance, which led to the naming of the area. The peak has been a landmark for many, guiding travelers to the Yampa River valley. The first road over Rabbit Ears Pass was constructed in 1913 by the United States Forest Service, local ranchers, and others, and it has since been improved multiple times.

Description:

Starting from the Rabbit Ears Peak Trailhead you will head north on FR311 for a short distance before making a right turn onto the Rabbit Ears Peak road. The road will be a two track that sees a lot of traffic from vehicles as well as hikers and mountain bikers. Motorcycles and UTVs also recreate on this route so be diligent and aware of other user groups on the road.

	Start of Rabbit Ears Peak road photo by: Adam M

After just over a quarter of a mile traveling through a somewhat open forest you will come to the first obstacle, a small rocky outcrop across the road. From here you will drive through a more open area toward a large ridge. There will be a few small forested areas to cross as you continue to climb toward Rabbit Ears Peak.

	Climbing toward the peak photo by: Adam M

You will come to a low area next that has another larger rock outcrop across the road with a bit of hill climb to it. This is obstacle two with a third obstacle not far ahead that is similar to the first obstacle. The road will continue to head to the ridge line west of Rabbit Ears Peak going through heavier forested areas. You will make a turn to the east and cross a narrow meadow before making a left turn and heading into the forest. This is obstacle four where the road becomes much steeper as it runs along the edge of the ridge. The road will level out a bit and there will be two small parking spots below a much steeper hill climb with loose dirt. This is obstacle 5 and should be evaluated before climbing. When I was here a motorcycle was struggling to make the climb to the top where another small parking area is. The top of obstacle five is the end of the road. From here there are some hiking trails around the monolith of rock that sits at the top of the peak.

	Monolith at Rabbit Ears Peak photo by: Adam M

"Rabbit Ears Peak is a prominent geological feature located in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. It features two large columns of basalt rock formations from the second volcanic episode, which are underlain by a pink tuff and volcanic breccia."

	North side of the monolith photo by: Adam M

From the parking area at the top you will descend back to your starting point.

	Heading back down through the narrow meadow photo by: Adam M

Data updated - January 25, 2026 4WD Road driven - July 27, 2025 Copyright 4X4Explore.com - 2000-2026