Trail Overview
South Divide is an easy-going overlanding route designed for beginners, families and seasoned explorers looking to experience the dramatic transition of Colorado’s diverse landscapes from Ridgway to Olathe. Spanning approximately 55.4 miles across the expansive Uncompahgre Plateau, this point-to-point journey begins at an elevation of 5,336 feet and climbs to a high point of 9,940 feet. Along the way travelers will traverse a series of well-graded and occasionally bumpy dirt roads that wind through open ranchlands, dense stands of aspens and pines within the Uncompahgre National Forest and rugged high-desert country.
The route provides access to spectacular vistas and remote camp spots without requiring a highly modified high-clearance 4x4, making it highly accessible for stock SUVs and light-duty trucks. While the majority of the trail offers smooth traveling on maintained unpaved roads, sections like Transfer Road feature a few bumpy spots and exposed ledges above Robideau Creek that require careful tire placement but no advanced technical skills. The transition from lush national forest down into the arid desert mesa near Olathe highlights the remarkable ecological diversity of Western Colorado, making this a rewarding multi-hour drive best enjoyed from late spring through autumn when roads are clear of snow.
Access Description
The route crosses public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. No fees or permits are required for standard recreational travel. High-altitude sections in the Uncompahgre National Forest may be closed or impassable due to snowpack from late autumn through late spring.
