
Where is Mineral Creek Road?
Usa, north-america
4.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for a shortcut from Ouray to Silverton, huh? Well, let me tell you about Mineral Creek Road – it's the *most* direct route, but buckle up, buttercup, because it's a *ride*.
You'll find this baby snaking through the Uncompahgre National Forest in San Juan County, Colorado. Think crazy climbs, gorgeous waterfall views, and access to the old mining town of Animas Forks, where you can still see some seriously cool historic buildings.
The road, also known as County Road 7/Forest Service Road 585, starts about 3 miles west of Silverton off the Million Dollar Highway. It’s only about [LENGTH] long, but don't let the short distance fool you. Weekends can get crowded, so be prepared to share the trail.
Here's the deal: you're gonna need a high-clearance vehicle, preferably with 4x4. Forget about your sedan – this ain't a Sunday drive. The first little bit is a decent gravel road, but after the campground, things get seriously rocky. Oh, and did I mention the narrow ledge road with drop-offs? Yeah, there's that too.
Keep in mind, this road is usually only open from [MONTH] to [MONTH] due to snow. So, plan your trip accordingly, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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