Palo Alto Lvl - Level 2
Palo Alto is a short backcountry route in the San Juan Mountains of Mineral County, Colorado. It climbs through high-elevation country typical of the Creede area, where forest roads and old mining routes branch off in many directions.
The route is brief and works well as a side trip or a quick outing. Check the current Motor Vehicle Use Map for the Rio Grande National Forest before you go, since road status and seasonal access can change.
Trail Summary
- LocationMineral County, Colorado
- Distance1.2 miles
- DifficultyLevel 2
- Elevation9,695 ft to 10,467 ft with a 772 ft change
- Travel Time21 minutes
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
This route is rated Level 2, which is Easy. A high clearance 2WD vehicle with stock equipment is generally enough, though the surface will likely test tire traction and ground clearance. Expect dirt or rocky road with dips, ruts, or rocks smaller than about 9 inches. Small ledges and shallow water crossings under 12 inches are possible. The road is typically one to two vehicles wide and is usually unmaintained after rain or snow, so conditions can change from one trip to the next. The driver's log has no notes on obstacles, so nothing on the route is flagged for special attention.
Trail GPS File
Map
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