Halfmoon Road - FDR 110

Length: 14.8 miles     Trail Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Difficult     Open To: 4WD, OHV, Biking, Hiking
Beginning Elevation: 9,547 ft.   Ending Elevation: 12,450 ft.
Elevation Gain: +2,903 ft.   USGS Map(s): Leadville

Access from Vail: Travel west on I-70 to Exit #171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Hwy 24. Exit here and turn right onto Hwy 24. Proceed south until about 3 miles before Leadville and turn right on Fish Hatchery Road (FDR 300).  Halfmoon Road begins about a mile west of Hwy. 24 on FDT 300.  The road is passable by passenger car for the first 7 miles until you reach the Mount Massive Trailhead.  
South Halfmoon Road – FDT 110.3A:  This road begins 2 miles west of the Mount Massive Trailhead on FDR 110 and travels south for 4.6 miles ending at Iron Mike Mine.  This is a very difficult 4WD road with a few difficult stream crossings and climbs into a large open basin. 

Trail Highlights:  This road is a rough, rocky drive along the valley floor and then a steady climb with a few steep pitches ending at the private land on Champion Mine.  In the summer there will be a lot of traffic in the form of cars, ATVs, bikers, hikers, and horseback riders, and in the winter this is a popular road for 4WD, ATVs, and snowmobiles so be mindful of others.  Fantastic views of Mount Massive, Mount Elbert, and Casco Peak are readily available along this road.  The area is scattered with great spots for picnicking, camping, and fishing.  The end of Halfmoon Road is located at the Mt. Champion Mine which was a major ore producer in the late 1890’s.  Pyrite and galena were found in the mines broad quartz vein and gold and silver were a consistent find in the area as well.  You can still see openings to the mines and the remains of a 6,100’ tramway leading to the old Mill.