Distance
~21 mi one-way
Time
1.5–2.5 hours
Difficulty
Easy
The classic Telluride warm-up — a mostly-gravel road winding from Ridgway through golden aspen meadows and ranch country into Telluride. No technical obstacles, just postcard scenery the entire way: 14,000-ft peaks, fall color (in season), and the Mount Sneffels range. Featured in countless films and a perfect first run for any rig.
Highlights
- •Sweeping views of Mount Sneffels and the San Juans
- •Best aspen viewing in Colorado during late September
- •Open meadows, working ranches, no technical sections
- •Connects Ridgway (US-550) to Telluride via the back way
- •Featured backdrop in True Grit (2010) and many other films
Access & Permits
No permit required — county road, free access. Gates may close in winter.