Mineral Creek Road, stay away unless you know you are capable

Mineral Creek Road is a very challenging drive located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. This is a 4WD road. It’s the quickest way to get to Engineer Pass from Ouray, although not the easiest.

Mineral Creek Road, stay away unless you know you are capable

How long is Mineral Creek Road?

The road (County Road 7/Forest Service Road 585) is accessed by turning off U.S. Highway 550, about 3 miles west of Silverton. It’s 11.26km (7.0 miles) long. The road climbs up a scenic narrow canyon, a waterfall, and accesses Poughkeepsie Gulch and Mineral Point, ending at Bandora Mine site which still has a few structures standing.

Is Mineral Creek Road open in winters?

Located into the San Juan Mountains, accessibility is largely limited to the summer season (June-Sept). The trail tops out at 3.258m (10,688ft) above the sea level. This route can get quite busy on the weekends. No room to pass along one stretch of narrow ledge road.

Is Mineral Creek Road suitable for passenger vehicles?

Located in Uncompahgre National Forest, a high-clearance vehicle is required, preferably one with four-wheel drive. Not suited for passenger vehicles, mini vans or family SUVs. It starts off of Hwy550 as a two lane graded gravel road but after the first 1.5 miles from the campground the road becomes very rocky.

 

 

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