Radical Hill  
Maps:      
USGS 7.5' Map: Montezuma
Statistics:
Difficulty: Number: Miles: Altitude: Obstacles: Time:
Moderate 6 FR 286 3.6 11,400 to 12,618 ft. Ledge - 1
Rock - 1
2-3 hours
County: Summit
Adopted by: Solihull Society    
Managed by: White River National Forest,
Dillon Ranger District
680 Blue River Parkway
Silverthorne, CO 80498
970-468-5400
Summary: Radical Hill has a very steep ledge road that climbs to the top of Teller Mountain. At the start of the ledge road are the remains of the Cashier Mine. The east end of Radical Hill has one rock obstacle to navigate.
Attractions: Scenery, Mountain Goats, Mining History, Steep ledge road.
Seasonal
Closure:
Agency - November 23 to May 20
Best Time: June - Typically snowed in
July - Late in the month if the snow has melted.
August - Best
September - Best
October - First snows can close the road.
Trailhead:  
Camping: There are a few dispersed sites on the eastern end of Radical Hill. The western section of Radical Hill is on a high plateau with no trees.
Base Camp: The eastern end of Radical Hill has access to Red Cone FR 565/365, Webster Pass FR 285, and Santa Fee Peak FR 264. The western end of Radical Hill has access to Deer Creek FR 5, Saints John FR 275, Middle Fork of the Swan River FR 6.2, Garibaldi Gulch FR 356, and North Fork of the Swan River FR 354.
Fall Colors: Poor - there are very few stands of trees along Radcial Hill due to its high altitude.
Navigation: From Keystone, CO. to the east end of Radical Hill head east on US-6 East toward Aspen Way / Gonala Road / Keystone Road. Take the Montezuma Road exit and go 0.2 miles to a slight right onto Montezuma Road. Go 6.4 miles, passing through Montezuma, CO. and turn left onto Bullion Mine Road. Go 0.5 miles and turn right onto Webster Pass Road. Go 2.1 miles to a "Y" in the road. To the left is Webster Pass, to the right is Radical Hill.

From Keystone, CO. to the west end of Radical Hill head east on US-6 East toward Aspen Way / Gonala Road / Keystone Road. Take the Montezuma Road exit and go 0.2 miles to a slight right onto Montezuma Road. Go 6.4 miles, passing through Montezuma, CO. and turn right onto County Road 5 / Montezuma Road (aka Deer Creek 4WD Road) and go 3.2 miles to a "Y" intersection. To the right is the Middle Fork of the Swan River 4WD road, to the left is Radical Hill.
History:  
Description:
Radical Hill is typically run from east to west, uphill. From the intersection with the Webster Pass 4WD road FR 285 and FR 565 you will climb up four switchbacks to gain altitude on the flank of Teller Mountain. After the fourth switchback you will come to a large rock outcropping that crosses the road. This is the rock obstacle on Radical Hill. A spotter and good technique will get you through this obstacle.
Rock obstacle

photo by:
Adam M

Once past the rock you will come to a large cirque containing the remains of the Cashier Mine. You will pass a small miners shack on your left before navigating three more switchbacks that cut across the tailings of the mine.
View of Radical Hill from Webster Pass

photo by:
Adam M

Switchbacks at Cashier Mine tailings

photo by:
Adam M

This is where the ledge road starts that takes you to the top of the cliff behind the mine. The Ledge road is vary narrow in spots so be aware of on coming traffic. You will climb to a large rocky spur of Teller Mountain that has the last switchback before you climb a steep chute up to the top of the cliff. This last climb is the steepest section of Radical Hill.
Ledge road to last switchback

photo by:
Adam M

Switchbacks at Cashier Mine from the top

photo by:
Adam M

From the top you will have great views of the Continental Divide containing Webster Pass to your east and Handcart Peak to your southest, and of course the south end of Teller Mountain, which your on top of.
Webster Pass switchbacks and Redcone in the background. Vehicles in the foreground are on the last swtichback.

photo by:
Adam M

Straight west is a small knob at the edge of the flat expanse of Teller Mountain. This is the namesake of the road, Radical Hill at 12,367 feet.

Data updated: December 29, 2012     4WD Road driven: September 5, 2010     Copyright 4X4Explore.com - 2000-2013