How to drive the defiant USFS 503 Road in Colorado

USFS 503 is a defiant short mountain road located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

USFS 503 Road

Where is the USFS 503 Road?

The road is located in the southern part of Colorado, within the Rio Grande National Forest.

Is the USFS 503 Road unpaved?

The road is totally unpaved. It comprises rocky and narrow sections, with steep parts. 4x4 vehicle with high clearance required.

How long is the USFS 503 Road?

Starting from Creede, the road to the summit is 15.9 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1203 m and the average gradient is 7.56%.

Is the USFS 503 Road open year-round?

Set high in the San Juan Mountains, the road tops out at tops out at 3.925m (12,877ft) above sea level. It’s not plowed in winters.
Pic: Scotty Kindrick

 

 

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