Is the road to Alpine Plateau unpaved?

Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about the Alpine Plateau in Gunnison County, Colorado! Nestled high in the Rockies at a whopping 11,535 feet, this isn't your average Sunday drive.

First things first, the road is entirely unpaved, which adds to the thrill, right? If you're not used to mountain roads, it might feel a bit intimidating. Watch out for those drainage humps the Forest Service put in – they can really toss you around if you're not careful! Honestly, most cars can handle it, just take it slow and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. It's also a handy shortcut between Montrose and Lake City, and a perfect starting or ending point for exploring the legendary Alpine Loop.

Now, about when you can go. Being so high up, the snow usually sticks around until late June or even July some years. You might get lucky as early as late April, or have to wait until mid-July. Keep in mind that sheep and cows graze up there in the summer, so close any gates you pass through. Logging happens in the fall and winter, too. Here's a bonus: the stretch from Highway 50 to the Arrowhead Community is maintained year-round, even plowed! Plus, in winter, the community grooms the path from their southern border all the way to Highway 149 for snowmobiling heaven!

The road itself is only about 2.4 miles long, running east-west through a stunning alpine valley filled with aspen, spruce, and fir. Quick note: there's a community of homes (the Arrowhead Community) on the north end of the road, so please be respectful as you pass through. They're the real MVPs up there, providing emergency services, fire protection, and even some road maintenance and snowplowing to their winter parking lot. They're always first on the scene if anything goes wrong on the Plateau.

The red line is the Alpine Plateau, and it is suitable for drive in any vehicle. The purple trails are only suitable for off-road vehicles, as well as the trails in black.