First Notch Road - FS 620

First Notch Road FS 620 starts out as a relaxed and beautiful drive. For the first seven miles, it’s a well‑maintained single‑lane gravel road winding through dense stands of tall pines and bright aspen groves. At mile 7.1, everything changes: a right turn drops you onto a narrow two‑track, and the character of the trail shifts immediately. The final 4.5 miles are far more challenging, with long stretches of embedded rock—many in the 12–16 inch range—that keep you engaged the whole way. Fallen trees lie across the trail, including one that looks like it’s been there for quite some time. It’s the kind of obstacle that makes you pause, size it up, and think through your line before committing. About a mile from the end, the trail smooths out and opens into a wide meadow with the kind of sweeping views Colorado is known for. At mile 11.7, First Notch Road meets Beaver Meadow Road, marking the end of the route. A note for full width vehicles, although this trail is open to and can be completed by all wheeled vehicles this trail has become overgrown with oak brush and tree limbs, a 72 inch wide SxS will still receive pin-striping. The first seven miles of this trail are open May 1st to December 31st. The last 4.5 miles are open June 1st to November 30th.