Trail Overview
This is an out-and-back route that travels through a heavily forested section of the San Juan National Forest. The trail surface consists primarily of packed dirt and gravel with scattered embedded rocks and occasional loose material. Natural erosion has created several dips, whoops, shallow ruts, and uneven sections along the route, but there are no major rock obstacles or technical sections. One muddy area along the trail looks more intimidating than it actually is, but a low, controlled speed is recommended when traveling through it. The route varies from a wider forest road to narrower two-track sections as it continues through dense stands of pine, spruce, and fir. Grassy openings and low-growing vegetation border portions of the trail. Open ranching is present throughout the area, so cattle may be encountered on or alongside the route.
Difficulty
Mostly packed dirt and gravel with scattered embedded rocks, shallow ruts, dips, and whoops caused by natural erosion. There are no major obstacles, ledges, or technical rock sections. One muddy area may require slower speeds and controlled tire placement, particularly after recent rain or snowmelt. The trail narrows into two-track in some sections but remains relatively straightforward. A stock high-clearance 4x4 should have little difficulty under normal conditions.
History
The Taylor Creek and Taylor Mesa area has long served as an access corridor into the western San Juan Mountains. Roads across the mesa have supported ranching, livestock grazing, timber management, hunting, and other uses of the surrounding National Forest. Taylor Creek Road remains one of the primary Forest Service access routes onto Taylor Mesa and connects with an extensive network of historic and modern backcountry roads. Below the mesa, the Dolores River valley was also an important transportation corridor. The Rio Grande Southern Railroad once followed portions of this valley between Dolores and Rico, and sections of today's CO-145 were later constructed over or alongside the former railroad grade.
