Lost Canyon - Level 2
Lost Canyon is a long backcountry road in Gunnison County, Colorado, north and east of the town of Gunnison. It climbs out of the sagebrush country near the Gunnison Valley and works its way up into the forested high country toward Signal Peak and the Ohio Creek area.
The road is popular with mountain bikers and gravel riders as well as drivers. It connects with other county and Forest Service roads in the area, including Sheep Gulch Road and Cranor Hill Road (County Road 10), so expect to share it with other users.
Trail Summary
- LocationGunnison County, Colorado
- Distance16.9 miles
- DifficultyLevel 2
- Elevation7,848 ft to 10,082 ft with a 2,234 ft change
- Travel Time2 hours 6 minutes
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
This trail is rated Easy (level 2). A stock high clearance 2WD vehicle is typically enough, though loose or rocky sections can test tire traction and ground clearance. Expect a dirt or rocky road that is not maintained after rain or snow. Possible challenges include dips, ruts, rocks and small ledges under about 9 inches, and shallow water crossings. The road is generally one to two vehicles wide. The driver's log did not call out any obstacles or sections needing special attention, so conditions are likely to depend mostly on recent weather.
Terrain
The lower part of the road runs through open sagebrush country and high desert vegetation above the Gunnison Valley. Higher up, the surface climbs through aspen groves and then mixed pine, spruce and fir forest. It is a dirt road, and the surface can change with weather and with how recently it was graded. It can be slick or rutted when wet. The upper end reaches a high forested summit area before the road drops toward the connecting county roads.
Highlights
The change in vegetation from sage flats to aspen and conifer forest is the main draw, and the aspen turn color in fall. Views open up across the Gunnison Valley and toward the Signal Peak area, the West Elks and the San Juan Mountains in the distance on clear days. Seasonal closures apply: the county road has a winter gate, and in recent years Gunnison County, the BLM and the Forest Service have closed Lost Canyon (CR 743) in spring, from mid-March to mid-May, to protect Gunnison Sage-Grouse and prevent road damage on wet ground. Check current closure notices before you go. Bikepacking sources say the road typically melts out by June.
Trail GPS File
Map
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