Smith Mountain Jeep Road Overlook

Smith Mountain Jeep Road Overlook is an ideal route for scenic explorers and moderate offroaders seeking panoramic views of the rugged Gunnison River canyon. Located just outside Delta, Colorado, within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, this unmaintained 4.3-mile trail leads travelers out to a dramatic peninsula overlooking the deep gorge. With a starting elevation of 5,397 feet, the route climbs steadily to a peak of 6,580 feet, accumulating over 1,300 feet of elevation gain along the way. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, stock SUVs, and SxSs can typically handle the journey, though drivers should be prepared for loose rock, narrow sections, and occasional steep grades up to 16 degrees. The dry, desert terrain is highly susceptible to weather conditions, meaning the dirt and gravel surface can become exceptionally slick and muddy during rain or winter thaws. Navigating the route requires careful tire placement over small ledges and eroded sections, particularly as the trail narrows near the cliff edges of the peninsula. Once at the overlook, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Gunnison River far below and the surrounding Black Canyon country. Summer temperatures routinely exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons to tackle this trek.