Scott Bram

Only scouted in about half a mile from the southern trailhead because we had family in a 2 wheel drive vehicle with all-season tires. Decided the snow meant they shouldn’t attempt it but 4WD with AT should be fine.

This turned out to be a fantastic trail, which I regret not having tried sooner. It's going to be high on my fall colors list from now on (I ran it about a week or 2 late for peak colors.) It's definitely not a technical route and the only issue for any vehicle will be the rocky hills on the Red Cliff side which could pose a pinch/puncture risk for short sidewalls. I ran my 265-70-17 ATs at highway pressures without issue. I did engage 4Low for a brief time to control my descent down the rockiest parts (going eastward.) The rocks are all embedded in the surface, rather than loose, (and polished up from traffic) so traction isn't much of an issue.

It wasn't very busy when I ran it (early Sunday afternoon), but there was still a notable number of vehicles, including occasional two-way traffic which wasn't really a problem (though there are a couple of narrow sections.) With the proximity to the highway and so many large camping sites, I can see this road becoming very busy in summer. The short hike up to Julia's Deck is a great, accessible, family-friendly activity with fantastic views. A narrow hiking trail continues into the woods from behind the deck. Despite how some maps may make it appear, the Lime Creek Rd spur does not offer an alternative through-route and eventually dead-ends at a gate with additional obstacles preventing vehicles from continuing. But there is more worthwhile campsites, hikes, and views available up that way.

If you're passing through Colorado on I-70 and want a diversion, or if you want to take an interesting alternative route to/from Leadville, definitely consider this trail.