Lime Creek U - Level 2
Lime Creek U is a backcountry drive in the Rio Grande National Forest south of Creede, in the high country of Mineral County. It follows the Lime Creek drainage through spruce and fir forest and open park-like meadows, in a quiet part of the San Juan Mountains.
The area is used mostly by hunters, hikers and locals cutting firewood, so it is usually quiet outside hunting season. It makes an easy half-day outing from Creede.
Trail Summary
- LocationMineral County, Colorado
- Distance3.1 miles
- DifficultyLevel 2
- Elevation10,505 ft to 11,120 ft with a 615 ft change
- Travel Time46 minutes
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
This trail is rated Level 2, which is Easy. A stock high clearance 2WD vehicle is enough, although the surface can test tire traction and ground clearance in places. Expect dirt and rocky sections with dips, ruts or rocks under about 9 inches, and possibly shallow water or small ledges under 12 inches. The road is typically one to two vehicles wide and is not maintained after rain or snow, so conditions change. The driver's log did not call out any obstacle needing special attention.
Terrain
The road is mostly native dirt and gravel with washboard in places, running along the creek and through forest and meadow at roughly 10,500 to 11,100 feet. Rain and snowmelt can leave it rutted or soft, and snow can linger late in the year at this altitude. Free-range cattle graze in the area, so expect animals and their droppings on the road and around the campsites.
Highlights
Several dispersed campsites sit along the Lime Creek corridor. The ones closer to Middle Creek are smaller and suit vehicle camping and small trailers. Sites farther in are bigger and work well for groups, especially during hunting season. The Lime Creek road connects with the Deep Creek hiking trail near Snowshoe Mountain, and the Ivy Creek trailhead is reached via the nearby Red Mountain Creek road. This makes the drive a convenient way to reach trailheads for longer hikes.
Trail GPS File
Map
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