MILL CREEK ROAD - FSR 710
Length: 10.1 miles (one way) Trail Use: Moderate to Heavy
Difficulty: Moderate Open To: 4WD, OHV, Biking, Hiking
Beginning Elevation: 8,214 ft. Ending Elevation: 11,737 ft.
Elevation Gain: +3523 ft. USGS Map(s): Vail East, Red Cliff
Access from Vail: Take exit 176 off of I-70. Travel south through the roundabout on south side of freeway onto Vail Road. Within 1/2 mile, the road curves to the left and enters a parking area behind the Lodge Tower. Continue east under chair lift to intersection by Vista Bahn Express Lift. Turn right uphill on Mill Creek Road - FSR 710.
Trail Highlights: Reset odometer at Mill Creek Road. Turn left at 0.2 miles. The road travels through the Vail ski area; make sure to stay on Mill Creek Road as all other roads on the Vail ski area are closed to private vehicles. Also beware of construction vehicles, hikers, and mountain bikers. The road is easy and passable by any vehicle for about the first 7 miles. After that, the road becomes narrow, rutted, and often muddy. The road eventually climbs to the top of Red Peak (more commonly known as Benchmark) at 10.1 miles and offers an unobstructed view in every direction. Mount of the Holy Cross, Battle
Mountain, the Gore Range, and the back bowls of Vail Mountain looking into Two Elk Creek drainage can be seen.