Highways are great places to take in Colorado’s fall colors, but let’s be honest, they can be very busy and crowded this time of year. Do you ever wonder what you’re missing by sticking to the pavement? Colorado’s national forests are vast and full of wonderment beyond what you can imagine from the highways, and there is really only one way to truly experience the very best of Colorado’s fall colors…get off the beaten path!
The GMUG National Forest is a combination of three national forests (Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison), expanding 3,161,912 acres in western Colorado. The Uncompahgre National Forest covers nearly 1 million acres from Delta to Ridgway and surrounding Norwood. The majority of the forest is comprised mostly of aspen trees, which, thanks to the forest’s location and milder climate, allows the Uncompahgre National forest to boast one of Colorado’s best, longest lasting and most colorful fall foliage seasons.
Follow this self-guided journey, perfectly suited for higher ground clearance 2WD vehicles, to experience your own back roads tour through some of Colorado’s best fall colors!
Located just 20 minutes from Norwood, Dan Noble State Wildlife Area / Miramonte Reservoir is Norwood’s largest body of water, covering 405 surface acres.
Miramonte Reservoir boasts a plethora of family-friendly outdoor activities including fishing, motor boating, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing, wind surfing, bird watching, star gazing, camping, and just happens to be one of the Colorado’s best fisheries for rainbow, brown and Snake River cutthroat trout.
Click here to learn more about Miramonte Reservoir!
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Upon entering the Uncompahgre National Forest, you will be greeted by a dense forest of healthy aspen trees towering overhead.
Gaze at the yellow brick road-esque dirt road lying before you, and marvel as yellow leaves trickle in the light breeze like gentle snowflakes.
Click here to learn more about the GMUG National Forest!
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Looking for a great hike amongst the aspen trees?
The Lone Cone Trail may be just what you’re looking for! Take a little detour, turn off and head east on FS Road 618 toward Lone Cone Cabin and Woods Lake.
The Lone Cone Trail (#426) begins approximately one mile down the road and there is ample parking on the corner across from the trailhead. The trail begins and ends near the Lone Cone Cabin as well as Woods Lake and passes primarily through a dense aspen forest. The trail is open to hiking and horseback riding (closed to mechanized travel) as it enters the Lizard Head Wilderness Area.
BONUS! There are ample water sources available, with the Gurley Ditch and East Beaver Creek running along the trail! Click here to learn more about the Lone Cone Trail!
Tip: This is a popular area for hunting in the fall. Be sure to make yourself visible to hunters by sure to wearing hunter orange or florescent pink.
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Looking for a challenging hike? Rise above the golden aspens and take in the views from above!
Standing at 12,614 feet, Lone Cone Peak is the westernmost peak of Colorado’s San Juan Mountain range and is Norwood’s most prominent, local landmark. The nearly five-mile round trip climb up Lone Cone Peak isn’t for the faint of heart, and those who reach her summit are rewarded with 360-degree views of the Four Corners region and surrounding mountain ranges.
Click here to learn more about hiking Norwood’s iconic Lone Cone Peak!
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Splashy water crossings are the best! The Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests around Beaver Park and Lone Cone Peak offer a plethora of backcountry roads, perfectly suited for high ground clearance, 4×4, ATV, UTV, dirt bike and mountain bike off-road exploration!
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Take a little detour off the scenic loop! Through a variety of dirt and gravel backroads, from Beaver Park, Norwood connects to the towns of Rico and Dolores along Highway 145, as well as Dunton River Camp!
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Groundhog Reservoir SWA, located halfway between Norwood and Dolores, is the largest body of water in Dolores County.
Groundhog Reservoir’s recreational activities include fishing, small craft motor boating, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing. Tent, RV and cabin camping is also available lakeside at a private campground, along with a small store on site.
Click here to learn more about Groundhog Reservoir!
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The intersection of county road CR H connects the Dolores-Norwood Road (CR S31) to Groundhog Reservoir, Black Mesa, Beaver Park and Dunton River Camp.
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Jim Olterman / Lone Cone State Wildlife Area makes for a great recreational pit stop along the way. This wildlife area offers deer, elk, black bear and grouse hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, and picnicking.
Click here to learn more about Lone Cone State Wildlife Area!
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Travel Time: 3-4 hours (driving with minimal stops)
Recommended Direction of Travel: Travel south from Norwood, clockwise around Lone Cone Peak.
Tip: Pack a picnic! Don’t forget to fill up on gas, food and snacks, drinks and supplies in Norwood before setting off on your back roads adventure.
Directions: From Norwood, head south on CR 44ZS (Lone Cone/Dolores-Norwood Road) toward Miramonte Reservor. The Loop begins where CR 44ZS intersects with CR M44 (Beef Trail Road). MAP
Traveling east, follow CR M44 until it meets FS Road 611. Stay on FS Road 611 and travel south east to south, passing through the Uncompahgre National Forest boundary and through Beaver Park, toward Groundhog Mountain and Black Mesa. The road eventually turns from gravel to dirt to an unimproved moderate ground clearance road (around FS Road 616) and remains an unimproved road as it passes over the ridge at the San Miguel/Dolores county line, until it intersects with FR Road 533 in the San Juan National Forest. MAP
Leave FS Road 611 and travel west along FR Road 533 toward Groundhog Reservoir SWA. The road eventually turns into CR H near Groundhog Reservoir. MAP
After passing Groundhog Reservoir, CR H intersects with CR S31 Road (Dolores-Norwood Road). Travel north toward Miramonte Reservoir and Norwood, passing Lone Cone State Wildlife Area along the way. Follow CR S31 until it intersects with CR 44ZS (Lone Cone Road) and continue on CR 44ZS to Norwood. MAP