Distance
1.88 mi one-way, out & back
Time
1–1.5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
A short spur off Camp Bird Road and, unlike its busier neighbors, typically a quiet drive where you would be surprised to see another vehicle. Wildflowers, old mines, waterfalls, clear alpine lakes, and views into the southern Sneffels Range, ending at a pair of glacial lakes at treeline. Steepness is the whole character of this one — the guide's phrasing is that your vehicle will be pointed skyward for most of the journey. Under two miles, but it is sustained grade plus rock, which is the combination that matters most for a long wheelbase and low breakover.
Highlights
- •Ends at a pair of glacial lakes at or above treeline
- •Quiet — far less traffic than the neighboring basins
- •Sustained steep climbing, good low-range practice
- •Old mine workings and waterfalls
- •Southern Sneffels Range views
- •11,626-ft high point
Access & Permits
No permit required — GMUG National Forests, official road 869.3A. Typical season June 15 – Oct 15, the narrowest window of the Ouray-side spurs.