Trail Overview
Little Delores Canyon begins wide and graded, then quickly narrows into a one-lane red dirt road that winds through rugged canyon country. Drivers will encounter multiple wash crossings, sections of shelves and ledges, and a mix of dips and rocky climbs that keep the route technical in spots. The back of the canyon includes deeper dips and tighter blind corners, requiring caution as the trail winds along the canyon walls. Its combination of climbs, exposed rock, and shifting terrain makes this trail engaging while still accessible to seasoned off-roaders.
Difficulty
This is an unmaintained trail with varying terrain. There are rock obstacles and ledges, as well as erosion that makes parts of this trail technical in it's drive. There is little to no cell service along this trail, so offline maps are recommended.
History
This trail explores the remote landscapes surrounding the Dolores River corridor in western Colorado. The area has long been known for its striking canyon geology, carved by water and erosion over thousands of years, as well as its connection to ranching and grazing lands. Historically, routes like Little Delores provided access for ranchers moving livestock and for early recreationists drawn to the region’s red-rock canyons. Today, it continues to serve as both a backcountry road and a scenic passage into one of the less-traveled corners of canyon country.
