Trail Overview
This out-and-back route travels across open sagebrush-covered terrain with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is primarily dry dirt with sections of grass growing between the tire tracks. It remains approximately one vehicle wide for most of the route and has very few significant obstacles. Expect occasional ruts, dips, and whoops created by natural erosion and vehicle traffic. The exposed dirt surface can become dusty during dry conditions and muddy and slick after rain. Vegetation consists primarily of sagebrush, dry grasses, and scattered low shrubs with very few trees. The route ends at a homemade fence secured with a chain and lock. There is a wide area near the fence to turn around and return the way you came. Motorized travel is seasonally closed from December 1 through April 15 each year to protect wintering wildlife.
Difficulty
This is a mostly smooth dirt route with occasional ruts, dips, and whoops caused by erosion and vehicle traffic. The trail is one vehicle wide through most sections but does not contain any major technical obstacles. The dry dirt surface can become muddy and slick after rain, potentially making the ruts more difficult to navigate.
History
The mountains surrounding Eagle, Edwards, and Avon have long been used for transportation, ranching, grazing, timber, mining, and recreation. Many of the roads found throughout the area developed from older access routes connecting ranches, mountain valleys, grazing areas, and resource sites. The region's history is closely tied to the Eagle River Valley, which became an important transportation corridor through the central Colorado mountains. Remnants of earlier land use and historic routes can still be encountered throughout the surrounding public lands.
