Lost Canyon is a dirt and rocky two-track that climbs out of a low sagebrush valley into mixed aspen and conifer country north of Gunnison. The route gains a steady 1,300 feet over its length before dropping back down near a shallow drainage. It is a solid intermediate run for a stock high-clearance rig, with enough grade and loose surface to keep things interesting without demanding armor or lockers.
Trail Summary
- Location: Gunnison National Forest, north of Gunnison, Colorado
- Distance: 17.0 miles
- Difficulty: Level 2 - Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
- Minimum Elevation: 7,848 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 10,082 ft
- Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft
- Travel Time: 2 hours 6 minutes (recorded)
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
Stock equipment is sufficient, but terrain will likely test tire traction and ground clearance. Expect dirt and rocky sections with potential obstacles under 9 inches, such as rocks, dips, or ruts. Grades can be steep in spots but traction is generally good. Some stretches are unmaintained after rain or snow, with shallow water crossings and small ledges possible. Roads are typically one to two vehicles wide.
Elevation
The trail starts at about 7,848 feet in a broad valley and climbs to a high point of roughly 10,082 feet before working its way back down toward the finish. Total climbing comes to around 3,200 feet, with about 3,000 feet of descent worked in along the way. The middle third of the route carries most of the elevation gain, with a long, steady grade rather than sharp pitches.
Terrain
The lower stretch runs through open sagebrush flats on a graded dirt surface. As the trail climbs, it transitions into mountain shelf roads and rocky two-track, winding through aspen groves and stands of conifer. Several tight switchbacks appear in the upper third of the route as the trail works up the ridge. The surface alternates between hard-packed dirt, embedded rock, and occasional loose gravel, with a few eroded ruts in the steeper pitches.
4WD Experience
A stock high-clearance 4WD or capable 2WD truck will handle this trail without trouble in dry conditions. The climbing sections call for steady momentum and some attention to line choice around embedded rock and ruts, but nothing here requires low range in normal conditions. After rain or snowmelt, the upper switchbacks can get greasy, and 4WD becomes the better call. Watch for exposed roots and small ledges through the wooded sections.
Travel Time
The recorded track shows a total time of 2 hours 6 minutes for the 17-mile route, including stops. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle without extended stops should plan on roughly 2 to 2.5 hours to complete the trail at a reasonable pace, allowing extra time for photos at the higher overlooks and for any water crossings that may require a walk-through first.
Highlights
The upper switchbacks open up wide views back down the valley toward Gunnison, with the West Elk Mountains visible to the west on clear days. Aspen groves along the mid-section make this a strong candidate for a fall color run. The high point near 10,082 feet offers a good turnaround or lunch stop before working back down.
Trail GPS File
Map