Trail Overview
This scenic trail immediately enters a rock garden with 5–8-inch rock ledges and winds through tall, well-spaced trees that still provide excellent mountain views. The trail is narrow with no room for vehicles to pass in most sections, and tighter areas create a high chance of pinstriping. Fallen trees are common, so carrying a chainsaw or handsaw is recommended in case the trail becomes blocked.
The trail is not trailer, camper, or van friendly and is currently blocked by a large fallen tree.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 3 because of the rock gardens, 5–8-inch ledges, narrow terrain, and potential for fallen trees blocking the route.
History
The Uncompahgre National Forest was established in 1905 and has a long history tied to mining, logging, ranching, and early settlement in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The region was especially shaped by the late-1800s mining boom, with historic towns, mines, and roads still found throughout the forest today.