Trail Overview
This is a route traveling from the intersection with No Name Road and Slide Lake to County Road 19A. The route is a wide, well-maintained graded dirt and gravel road with no major obstacles or technical sections along the way. The surface is primarily hard-packed dirt covered with fine gravel and occasional small loose rocks. Most of the route is wide enough for two vehicles to pass comfortably, with several areas opening considerably wider. The road travels through a dense high-elevation forest dominated by pine and spruce, with scattered aspens and a forest floor consisting of low vegetation, exposed soil, rocks, and boulders. Grades are generally gradual, making this an easy route under normal conditions. Wurts Ditch also follows part of the historic transmountain water diversion system originally constructed in 1929. Motorized vehicles are permitted seasonally from May 21 through November 22, with the route closed to motorized use from November 23 through May 20.
History
This area has a diverse history tied to mining, railroads, early transportation routes, and military training. Red Cliff developed during Colorado's mining era, while railroads and mountain roads were constructed through the surrounding valleys and passes to connect mining communities. Camp Hale was established during World War II as the training center for the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, whose soldiers trained in the area's rugged winter mountain terrain before fighting in Europe. Remnants of mining, railroad, transportation, and military history can still be found throughout the surrounding mountains and valleys.
