Trail Overview

Officially this is Dolly Varden Road or FS 783, however, the signage will say Windy Ridge, which it is more commonly known as. At tree line, you will encounter the Windy Ridge Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area, one of only a handful of old bristlecone pine forests in Colorado. If you proceed further, a network of roads ensues, many of which are private or closed, with one exception to access the summit of Mount Bross making this the second-highest unpaved road in Colorado. While there are many routes, this is the only one in which you will not encounter marked closures, end up in dead ends, or find yourself in extremely dangerous situations. Along the way, you will pass numerous mine sites, as well as more mines above the tree line. Many of these mine sites are private property, some marked, some not.

Photos of Dolly Varden Road (Windy Ridge)

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Difficulty

This road is very easy up until the Windy Ridge parking area. After that, it becomes more narrow with steep loose rock climbs, narrow shelf roads, and narrow washouts. While not technical in nature, it requires careful attention and following the route.

Technical Rating

Brent H

Sep 19, 2025

Open

The trail gets narrower as you climb. I got confused on the trail just uphill from the Morning Star - Cresskill Groups Mine. There is a trail to the right leading to switchbacks and the Dolly Varden Mine. It seemed that was the way to go but small signs indicate no "Jeeps". I happened to be there as a mountain biker passed. He pointed out that the trail to continue was the path to the left. Guess I was worried about staying on path. Have new respect for mountain bikers, this guy was killing it!

Colin Wichers

Aug 31, 2025

Open

Narrow shelf road, in good condition. Open to summit of Mt. Bross. Lots of hikers near the top doing the loop so be aware.

Clint Henker

Jul 13, 2025

Open

Levi Ozanich

Jul 12, 2025

Open

Definitely a road less traveled! Several small mines along the trail for neat photo ops. Only passed two hikers on the way up but once at the top there were several hikers passing between the 4 14ers in the area. A few even took pictures with my truck at the top. As far as technicality, my stock suspension Tacoma TRD Off-road didn’t struggle at all. The shelf roads have a good picker factor but nothing too crazy.

Anton rusy

Jun 27, 2025

Open

Obstructed in 2 spots.

Brad Schlegel

Jun 22, 2025

Open

No problems getting to 12,800 ft. Then ran into snow where x is on map.

Suzy Neu

May 22, 2025

Open

Easy drive up, small patches of standing snow and water, made it up about a half mile past the abandoned house foundation (11,713ft) where the road (as far as we could see) was blocked by deep snow drift.

Steven Barclay

Oct 01, 2024

Open

A little snow covering the trail close to the end by a steep drop off. it might be passable but too dangerous for us. I would also rate the trail a 4.

Michael V

Sep 14, 2024

Open

Fun road. It gets white-knuckled at the end as you approach the summit, with many switchbacks that I had to reverse to make the turn. Cool mines along the route.

David Groover

Aug 31, 2024

Open