Trail Overview
Lime Creek Road is an excellent, scenic forest route for intermediate offroaders and historical sightseers seeking a moderately challenging drive with incredible views of the West Needle Mountains. Stretching roughly 11.2 miles through the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Silverton, this historic trail follows a path originally used by the Ute Indians before prospectors converted it into a mining road in the late 1880s. With an elevation range spanning from 8,769 feet to 9,808 feet, the route provides a stunning journey alongside the rushing waters of Lime Creek. Although the overall trail holds a moderate technical rating of 3, drivers must navigate several very narrow, shelf-like sections with rough, rocky terrain and extremely limited options for passing oncoming vehicles or turning around.
Four-wheel-drive capability and high-clearance vehicles are highly recommended to safely negotiate the uneven rock surfaces and occasional washouts along the way. Travel is best done in the summer and fall, as heavy winter snowpack keeps the route closed deep into the spring. Along the drive, visitors will find dispersed camping spots, access to popular hiking trails like the trek to Spud Lake, and exceptional viewpoints of Engineer Mountain and Potato Hill. Whether navigating the tight curves in a high-clearance SUV, a truck, or a SxS, drivers should exercise caution, maintain a slow pace, and yield to oncoming traffic on the single-lane segments of this rugged mountain pass.
History
Lime Creek Road has rich historical roots, starting as a traditional hunting trail used by the Ute Indians. In the late 1880s, prospectors and pioneers converted it into a wagon road to access the mining districts in Silverton. Later, in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made further improvements to the route, shaping it into the road that exists today.
Access Description
Lime Creek Road is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the San Juan National Forest. It is a seasonal road, typically open from late spring or early summer through late autumn depending on winter snow accumulation. There are no fees or permits required to drive the road, but high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles or SxSs are highly recommended due to the rough, rocky, and narrow nature of the trail.
