Trail Overview
Gardner Park Road (FS910) is a scenic, moderate backroad route in the Routt National Forest, ideal for 4x4s looking to explore remote terrain without technical obstacles. This dirt and gravel road is best suited for stock SUVs and trucks.
Located in the Yampa Ranger District of northwestern Colorado, FS910 traverses classic high-country forest and meadow landscapes. While it doesn’t present challenging rock features or deep water crossings, the road can become slick or rutted after storms, and snow can linger near either end of the season. ATVs and dirt bikes aren’t permitted unless specifically signed, so this is a quiet alternative to more trafficked multi-use trails. Always check with the district office for recent conditions, as downed trees or sudden weather shifts are common hazards in this part of the forest.
Difficulty
There are a few deep ruts and several rocky sections where careful tire placement is necessary, particularly on the climbs. Otherwise, in dry conditions, this is a relatively easy route, and depending on the vehicle, 4WD may not even be necessary.
History
Gardner Park and Reservoir have a history closely tied to the ranching and irrigation development of the upper Bear River region. The reservoir’s water right dates to 1903 and was formally decreed in 1910 as part of the Stillwater Ditch system, which provided irrigation water to ranches and agricultural lands farther downstream. Today, Gardner Park is a scenic high-elevation meadow surrounded by spruce, fir, and aspen forests and is also an important elk calving area. The reservoir and surrounding Forest Service roads now provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping.
