Upper Section of East Fork San Juan River Rd-Fr 667

Upper Section of East Fork San Juan River Rd-Fr 667

Upper Section of East Fork San Juan River Rd-Fr 667
Upper Section of East Fork San Juan River Rd-Fr 667

Distance

9.1 mi

Technical Rating

5 Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

High-Clearance 4x4 Trail

Accessible By

Trail Overview

The upper section of East Fork Road starts at the cut off for Quartz Meadow. This is perhaps the only real 4x4 rock climbing trail in the area. There is a sign that says 4x4 recommended, believe it! This is a serious off-road trail which will take you to Elwood Pass and crest the Continental Divide. Driving up the road there will be steep climbs over rocks, narrow shelf roads with drop offs on the side. If here in the spring the road may be flooded with snowmelt runoff and some swift currents at the river crossings. Summer rains can make the road muddy and slippery as well. Sections of the road will have water flowing down them. Remember to keep tabs on pull off spots should someone need to pass. McCormick Cabin will be on your right after driving most of the trail. Following will be couple of smooth rock faces to climb, then it becomes a dirt road which when cresting the hill will reveal a couple of picnic tables, followed by open meadows, Elwood Pass and The Continental Divide. You can choose to turn around and go back down East Fork Rd, however there are a number of trails once up on top. Turning left on Park Creek Rd will take you all the way to Hwy 160, which you can take back toward Pagosa Springs over Wolf Creek Pass. Also, this direction is a turn off for the road to Summitville Ghost Town should you want to explore.

Weather

Status Reports

Jordon F
Oct 17, 2024
2022 Chevrolet Silverado
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
Rough/Deteriorated
The trail has gotten worse, washed out and a few places that should not be considered level 5 moderate. Had to turn around due to a high rock climb I couldn’t make.
Barry Raven
Oct 14, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Dry and dusty. Unseasonably warm, not many people. Only saw 1 ATV. Weather is supposed to stay dry for a few more days.
Keaton Kugle
Oct 13, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Washboard
Robert Dowdy
Aug 03, 2024
Open
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
We ran this trail East to West. We managed but this trail had several obstacles that tested the rig and my skills. Westbound is mostly downhills. Several SXS and everyone was friendly. I saw one JK headed east and it was the only other non SXS or 4 wheeler on the trail.