Upper Section of East Fork San Juan River Rd-Fr 667

Trail Overview

The upper section of East Fork Road starts at the cut off for Quartz Meadow. This is perhaps the only real 4x4 rock climbing trail in the area. There is a sign that says 4x4 recommended, believe it! This is a serious off-road trail which will take you to Elwood Pass and crest the Continental Divide. Driving up the road there will be steep climbs over rocks, narrow shelf roads with drop offs on the side. If here in the spring the road may be flooded with snowmelt runoff and some swift currents at the river crossings. Summer rains can make the road muddy and slippery as well. Sections of the road will have water flowing down them. Remember to keep tabs on pull off spots should someone need to pass. McCormick Cabin will be on your right after driving most of the trail. Following will be couple of smooth rock faces to climb, then it becomes a dirt road which when cresting the hill will reveal a couple of picnic tables, followed by open meadows, Elwood Pass and The Continental Divide. You can choose to turn around and go back down East Fork Rd, however there are a number of trails once up on top. Turning left on Park Creek Rd will take you all the way to Hwy 160, which you can take back toward Pagosa Springs over Wolf Creek Pass. Also, this direction is a turn off for the road to Summitville Ghost Town should you want to explore.