Red Mesa FSR-578

Total Miles
9.4

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

Red Mesa FSR-578 is a point-to-point trail that connects from FS-222/CR-263 at its north entrance and leads back to SH-285 at its south entrance. This trail can be traversed from either end and is suitable for most high-clearance 2WD vehicles during dry weather. The surface is a decently balanced combination of dirt and rocks, with some stones being up to 12 inches in size. Some sections of the trail have deeper ruts and shorter, steeper grades, making it easier for lower clearance vehicles to complete if they start from the north entrance. The trail is wide enough through most of its track to pass if necessary, with only a few spots being narrow and single vehicle width due to brush and foliage. There are several sections throughout the trail where the views to the west give a clear view of the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, the Latir Peak Wilderness, and the surrounding mountains. Cell service fluctuates throughout the trail with moderate levels of service strength. Dispersed camping is permitted along the entire length of the trail, and features some semi-developed sites tucked into the tree line towards the north before it becomes more open with fewer trees.

Photos of Red Mesa FSR-578

Red Mesa FSR-578
Red Mesa FSR-578

Difficulty

Vehicles will encounter some loose rocks up to 12 inches in size, as well as minor rutting and possible shallow mud holes. There are sections of the trail that are strictly single vehicle wide due to surrounding foliage.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

Take SH-285 south from Tres Piedras to FS 222 Las Tablas to Tres Piedras trail. The Tusas Ridge north trailhead entrance is located approximately 3 miles in from the turnoff at 285. Alternatively the trail can also be accessed from its south entrance located directly off of SH-285 approximately 5.5 miles south of Tres Piedras.

Red Mesa FSR-578 Map

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