Cooper Mountain Road Southwest - FS 8020

Trail Overview

This is a dirt-based forest road that climbs more than 3,000 feet in elevation. There are sections of gravel and mulch, with some areas having loose rocks. There are humps/whoops in the road that you must go over, and the road is narrow and one vehicle wide in most places, with no room to pass. There are sections to pass, but you may have to back up a little if you meet oncoming traffic. There are several sharp turns and switchbacks, and the ledges and drop-offs are steep and high. The view from the trail is awesome, and you will see lots of surrounding peaks. There is a short 0.2 mile split off road that is called Cooper Mountain Summit that leads you up to the concrete base where the fire lookout tower used to be. This area is large and flat, and you could fit 30 vehicles up there to camp, making this a great spot to camp or have lunch. Cell phone service is very weak along most of the trail, so travel prepared and with all needed supplies. There are no amenities along the trail, and you are approximately an hour from the nearest services. A high-clearance 4x4 is recommended for this trail, but there was an SUV traveling this route as well.

Photos of Cooper Mountain Road Southwest - FS 8020

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Difficulty

Dirt-based forest road with sections of gravel and mulch. There are ruts and washouts over a foot deep, rock garden sections, and ledges with large drop-offs. The trail climbs over 3,000 feet in elevation. High clearance 4x4 recommended.

Technical Rating

Cooper Mountain Road Southwest - FS 8020 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike