Trail Overview
West Fork Cimarron Road is a scenic 3.4-mile out-and-back trail in the Uncompahgre National Forest, perfect for scenic tourers, SxSs, and high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles seeking majestic mountain views and access to wilderness trailheads. Starting at an elevation of 10,075 feet and climbing approximately 700 feet to top out at 10,757 feet, the route guides travelers past the striking geologic formation of Chimney Rock and into the heart of the San Juan Mountains. The initial mile and a half of the trail is relatively easy, characterized by an uneven but manageable dirt surface suitable for lower-clearance vehicles. However, as the route progresses deeper into the canyon, the terrain transitions into a more challenging route rating a 3 out of 10 on the technical scale, requiring higher clearance to navigate safely.
The second half of the journey presents offroaders with increasingly rugged obstacles, including large rocky patches, runoff ruts, mud holes, and potential trail ledges of up to 12 inches. A key highlight is a shallow river crossing, which typically remains under a foot deep but is heavily dependent on seasonal snowmelt and time of year, immediately followed by a short, off-camber uphill climb. The trail is primarily one vehicle wide with occasional passing pullouts, demanding careful tire placement and awareness of oncoming traffic. Scattered primitive campsites are available along the route, which ultimately dead-ends at the Wetterhorn Basin Trailhead, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and direct access to wilderness hiking trails.
Difficulty
Uneven, rutted dirt trail with potential for loose rocks and sandy washes. Water crossings less than a foot deep. Potential for mud holes and trail obstacles up to 12", including ledges and short, steep grades. Roads are typically one vehicle wide with places to pass.
Access Description
The second half of the trail requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle or SxS due to rocky sections, mud holes, and a shallow river crossing. The road is typically closed during winter and spring, opening in late June or July depending on snowpack levels. No permits or fees are required to drive the road.
