Argentine Central Railroad Grade Trail

No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.

The Argentine Central Railroad Grade Trail is a 13.7-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado with 3,771 feet of elevation gain. This trail follows the historic grade of the Argentine Central Railroad, offering hikers a chance to experience remnants of Colorado's mining era while ascending through varied terrain. The trail's significant elevation gain makes it a moderately strenuous option suitable for hikers with solid endurance. The out-and-back format allows flexibility—hikers can turn around at any point to adjust difficulty and distance based on fitness level and available time. The route traverses the lhn wilderness area and is managed by lhn. The trail's path along the old railroad grade provides relatively stable footing compared to some alpine routes, though the consistent elevation gain demands steady effort throughout the hike. This trail appeals to history enthusiasts interested in Colorado's railroad heritage as well as hikers seeking mountain elevation gain. The railroad grade's engineering makes for an interesting landscape feature while providing access to higher elevations and mountain views.