U.S. Basin Road

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views

U.S. Basin Road is a 4x4 road that provides stunning views of the surrounding high San Juan Mountain peaks, and also passes by the remains of an old mining site. If you have a capable vehicle you can drive the road, otherwise you can also run it as a long out-and-back or with a shuttle.

U.S. Basin Road is a 4x4 road that provides stunning views of the surrounding high San Juan Mountain peaks. It is best driven (4x4 and high clearance required) but can also be hiked or biked. If running you'll want to begin from Highway 550 at Red Mountain Pass. There is ample parking alongside the road here. You'll then run the U.S. Basin road for about 6 miles until it once again rejoins Highway 550. From this point you can retrace your steps or hitch back to your vehicle at Red Mountain Pass.

U.S. Basin Road steadily gains elevation after starting from Red Mountain Pass. You'll run past the St. Paul Lodge and Hut, then past the namesake U.S. Basin to the east of the road.

One last climb awaits and leads to stunning views. You'll be able too see down to Highway 550 below and the mountains behind, as well as toward Anvil Mountain and some of the high rugged peaks south of Silverton.

The road stays high for a while, then begins the long and steady descent back to Highway 550. Along the way you'll run past some old mining remains. The road then enters the forest and stays there until reaching the highway.

Unless you have arranged a shuttle of some sort you can either return the way you came back to Red Mountain Pass, or try your hand at hitchhiking back.