Lime Creek U is a short connector segment of Old Lime Creek Road in the San Juan National Forest, running through the timber and rock benches above Lime Creek between Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass. This stretch climbs a rocky shelf road with tight turns and narrow sections, staying above 10,500 feet the entire way. It's a good option for a short high country run that still delivers real elevation and views without pushing into technical terrain.
Trail Summary
- Location: San Juan National Forest, near Silverton, Colorado
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Difficulty: Level 2 - Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
- Minimum Elevation: 10,505 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 11,120 ft
- Elevation Gain: 974 ft
- Travel Time: 46 minutes recorded
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
Stock equipment is sufficient, but the terrain will likely test tire traction and ground clearance. Expect dirt and rocky road with potential obstacles under 9 inches, such as rocks, dips, or ruts. Grades can be steep in sections but traction stays good most of the way. The road is typically unmaintained after rain or snow, and shallow water crossings or small ledges under 12 inches are possible. Roads are one to two vehicles wide with limited passing room.
Elevation
The route runs from 10,505 feet up to 11,120 feet, gaining roughly 974 feet over the course of the drive and losing about 596 feet on the descending sections, for a net elevation change of around 379 feet from start to finish. The climbing comes in a series of steady pushes rather than one long grade, with the road working its way up through switchbacks along the drainage.
Terrain
Expect mountain shelf road and rocky two-track for most of the drive. The surface alternates between packed dirt and exposed rock, with narrow sections cut into the hillside above the creek. Tree cover is heavy through much of the route, opening up at higher points along the shelf. The road is generally one lane wide with occasional wider spots to pass oncoming traffic.
4WD Experience
A high clearance 4WD vehicle handles this stretch without difficulty. The main challenges are the narrow width and blind corners rather than any single obstacle. Careful speed and awareness of oncoming traffic matter more here than wheel placement. Stock tires and stock suspension are enough for the entire route.
Travel Time
The recorded track shows about 46 minutes of travel time over 3.2 miles, including a few short stops along the way. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle driving at a steady, cautious pace should expect a similar time, roughly 35 to 50 minutes depending on how many pull-offs are used to let other vehicles pass and how much time is spent enjoying the overlooks.
Highlights
The trail follows Lime Creek through mixed conifer and aspen stands, with several points along the shelf offering open views down into the drainage and across to the surrounding peaks. This section connects into the larger Old Lime Creek Road corridor, once part of the original wagon route between Durango and Silverton.
Trail GPS File
Map