Trail Overview
This out-and-back route follows a generally well-maintained gravel and packed-dirt road through the surrounding forest. The surface is mostly smooth with areas of loose gravel, scattered embedded rocks, and occasional potholes that can make the ride somewhat bumpy. Some sections narrow into a two-track with grass growing between the tire paths, but there are no major obstacles or technical sections along the route. The trail passes through dense stands of spruce and fir with several grassy meadows and open areas along the way. There are also sections of forest showing signs of previous fire activity and tree loss, so downed trees could occasionally become an issue. At the end of the route, there is a smaller turnaround area that provides enough room to turn around before returning the way you came.
Difficulty
Mostly maintained gravel and packed dirt with scattered loose and embedded rocks, occasional potholes, and some sections that narrow into a two-track. There are no major obstacles, ledges, deep ruts, or technical rock sections. The primary concerns are the uneven surface and the possibility of downed trees in areas affected by previous fire activity. The route is an out-and-back with a smaller turnaround area at the end. A stock high-clearance vehicle should have little difficulty under normal dry 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.
