Summary: This is a 12 mile one way dirt road near Masonville, Colorado. It is an awesome trail with some dispersed camping. I did it in my modified 2017 Subaru Outback but just barely. It took me roughly 2.5 hours. Don’t be fooled by the photos, videos, and reviews you may read elsewhere; this trail is legitimate. For those with an AWD vehicle, I would shy away from this trail. For those with 4x4 and high clearance, this trail is a no brainer - it’s awesome! I hope my review offers good insight and the pictures do the trail justice.
~ 8 minute read ~
I am not an expert “off-roader” and I fully understand the limitations of my Outback. It is not a Wrangler or 4Runner nor will it ever be. Still, I was caught off guard a bit. Reviews and photos on AllTrails made it seem like just another dirt road. YouTube videos something similar. I’d say 90% was easily passable but there were a couple of sections that really put my Subie to the test.
My build is currently simple, I’m seeking to modify it over time as I have the funds:
2017 3.6R Touring Subaru Outback (6-cylinder)
ADF 1.5” Lift w/ rear spacers (maybe a future blog post)
17” Motegi wheels
235/65 R17 Yokohama Geolander A/T
At the beginning of the road, there are multiple signs indicating you are crossing private property. This is a public forest service road that you are allowed to take. Just stay on the road and you’ll be fine. The road through this “private” section, 3.4 miles, is your typical dirt road; a sedan could make it.
The drive in is super scenic with flowing grass fields and interesting rock formations. The ranches you pass by are equally beautiful with well crafted stone buildings. There are also plenty of signs reminding you you are crossing through private property and free range cows so watch out for them!
After the first 3.4 miles, you exit the private property section and enter National Forest. Sky Corral Ranch will be the last ranch you see before you enter the National Forest. There are no major signs indicating National Forest land. Immediately upon entering public land, the road begins to become a little more rough but nothing to worry about.
A little further in and you enter a pine forest. Some of the dips become a little deeper and this is when it is really nice to have that extra clearance. Without my lift I would have scraped the front bumper (Outbacks and their poor approach angles…). Oh, and that’s Vali, my faithful companion.
As the trail progresses, it continues to become increasingly more challenging. The trail made me begin to question (along with the passerby in Tacomas) if I was in a worthy vehicle, though nothing made me seriously consider turning around. One small section just after the pine forest had my tires spinning but with enough momentum I was able to get over it no problem. The clearance on the Outback is quite good. It is really the approach angles and CVT system that limits the vehicle. In November when I did this, there were a few small stream crossings that I got through just fine. However, in the spring or summer after snow melt I imagine these crossings may prove more of an obstacle.
Also, lots of dirt bikers on this trail so heads up!
After testing my Subie increasingly so, the real test came in the form of a 100 yard steep uphill with rocks and dips. This section was about half way along the trail. After attempting the uphill twice, I began to fall fate to the idea of having to turn around. As far as I knew, I never once bottomed out and for the most part I had all 4 tires on the ground. Still, given the poor tire articulation and CVT system which limits the throttle, I was unable to pass the last portion of this uphill. A third attempt with even more momentum finally pushed me over the last part and everything was downhill from there, literally. Hurray!
The downhill through the fire burn was beautiful, sad, and yet humbling. New pine growth was beginning to flourish and it reminded how fragile our ecosystems are but how resilient they can be.
For me, the trail was just long enough to be exciting and also just long enough to when at the end I was glad to be done. The trail tested my Outback a little more than I expected but I’m glad to have gotten it done.
For anyone looking to try this trail, I caution you to make sure you have a capable vehicle. I would recommend high clearance 4x4. If you have a modified Subaru similar to me, know that it is possible but you run the risk of damaging your vehicle. The trail took me about 2.5 hours one way with some stops for photos so plan accordingly.
Till next time!
