Railroad Grade

Railroad Grade is a scenic, moderately easy off-road trail in the La Plata Mountains of Colorado, perfect for drivers of high-clearance vehicles seeking dispersed camping and beautiful mountain views. Spanning approximately 6.9 miles, this route follows an old railroad bed, navigating elevations between 8,116 and 8,516 feet with a net elevation loss of about 400 feet. The trail begins near La Plata County Road 316 and winds eastward beneath Caviness Mountain, offering dispersed camping options at both the start and end of the route. Offroaders can expect a narrow, one-to-two-vehicle-wide dirt and rocky track with tight sections of encroaching brush. The terrain features minor obstacles under 12 inches, including small ledges, ruts, and shallow water crossings that require cautious tire placement. When wet, the dirt surface becomes extremely muddy and slick, significantly increasing the difficulty and potential for deep ruts. This unmaintained road is frequented by free-roaming cattle, so visitors should remain alert for livestock and gate closures along the way. While doable in most stock high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles or AWDs under dry conditions, a technical rating of 2 reflects the potential for slick mud and tight clearances that demand a slow and steady pace.