Southern Colorado 4-Wheeling, The San Juans
After the 1874 Brunot Treaty with the Native Americans, prospectors poured into the mineral-rich southwestern Colorado mountains known as the San Juans. By 1875 the mining towns of Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and Lake City had sprung up, soon becoming the hubs of a network of mining towns and paths used to transport supplies to the mines and ore back to the mills. Today most of the mining towns are ghost towns with a few decayed buildings, old mills, and worked-out-mines. The paths have become backcountry 4-wheel drive roads which now access high mountain passes, scenic mountain valleys, hidden ghost towns, numerous old and working mines, good fishing and camping, and vistas not available to the average motorist. Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and Lake City, now the hubs of 4-wheeling and recreation, provide access to some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado...This guide gives descriptions and directions for 25 of the most popular 4-wheel drive routes in the San Juans...All routes are rated for difficulty. Enjoy!