Guides/Overland routes/Colorado
Overland route21 mi3,000 ft gaindifficulty: easy

Last Dollar Road

RegionColoradoAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Last Dollar Road — overland route near Telluride, Colorado, Colorado
Photo by Sandy Horvath-Dori via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Trail vitals7 facts
Length
21mi
Elev gain
3,000ft
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle. 4WD not required when the road is dry, but recommended after rain. Most stock SUVs handle the route in summer conditions.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Spotty
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Last Dollar Road is a 21-mile graded-gravel scenic route through southwest Colorado's Uncompahgre National Forest, connecting Highway 145 near Telluride to State Highway 62 near Ridgway. The road climbs through aspen groves and high meadows to 10,500 feet, with panoramic views of the Wilson Range, St. Sophia Ridge, Palmyra Peak, and the Sneffels Range. The route is a beginner-to-intermediate 4WD experience — most stock SUVs handle it in dry conditions.

Fall color along Last Dollar Road draws photographers from across the country. The aspens turn gold in late September and the route runs through one of the densest aspen stands in Colorado. The road is closed by snow most of the year and typically opens in late June.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Snow closure. Late October through May or June most years.
  • Mud. Spring snowmelt and summer rain can rut the road.
  • Crowds during fall color. Late September draws heavy traffic. Expect to share the road.
  • Wildlife. Cattle, mule deer, and black bears.
  • Private land. Stay on the road; surrounding ranches close to the route.
  • Cell coverage. Spotty.

Location

21 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 38.020, -107.850

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townTelluride, Colorado
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/uncompahgre
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location38.020, -107.850

Getting there

Directions

Southern access (Telluride). From Telluride, drive west on Highway 145 toward the regional airport. Last Dollar Road branches north off the highway near the airport.

Northern access (Ridgway). From Ridgway on US-550, drive west on State Highway 62 (San Juan Skyway). Last Dollar Road branches south off SR-62.

Approximate midpoint coordinates: 38.020° N, -107.850° W.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Last Dollar Road runs in San Miguel County between Telluride and Ridgway, on the western side of the San Juan Mountains. Telluride anchors the southern end at Highway 145; Ridgway anchors the northern end at State Highway 62 (also known as the San Juan Skyway). The road takes its name from a 19th-century legend about a last-dollar gambling story; another version connects it to a mining-era saloon.

Trail Overview

From the south access on CO-145 just outside Telluride (near the airport), the road climbs north past the Last Dollar Hut and through high meadows. The route gains elevation through several aspen groves, with periodic views of the surrounding peaks. The crest at roughly 10,500 feet sits in a meadow with panoramic views of the Sneffels Range to the east. From the crest the road descends to Hastings Mesa, then drops to Highway 62 near Ridgway.

Driving the full road takes about two hours without stops. With photography stops at the meadow overlooks, plan three hours.

Points of Interest

  • Aspen groves. Colorado's densest aspen stands. Fall color peaks in late September.
  • Sneffels Range views. The 14,000-foot crest of Mt. Sneffels visible from the high meadows.
  • Wilson Range views. Mt. Wilson and Wilson Peak (the Coors beer label peak) visible to the west.
  • St. Sophia Ridge. Distinctive ridge near Telluride.
  • Hastings Mesa. The plateau the road descends onto from the crest.
  • Last Dollar Hut. A 10th Mountain Division hut available for overnight rental in winter.
  • Telluride Regional Airport. Visible from the southern access; one of the highest commercial airports in North America.

Where to Camp

Dispersed camping is allowed in the surrounding national forest with the standard 14-day stay limit. The Last Dollar Hut is bookable for overnight stays year-round through the 10th Mountain Division Hut System. Telluride and Ridgway both have commercial campgrounds and lodging.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Visit June through October. Snow closes the road most of the year.
  • Visit during fall color (late September) for the aspen show. Expect crowds.
  • Carry water and food; the road has no services.
  • Cell service is spotty.
  • Watch for cattle and wildlife on the road.
  • The road can rut after rain. Wait a day or two after heavy storms.
  • Stay on the road; private land borders much of the route.
  • Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds during fall.
  • Contact the Uncompahgre National Forest's Norwood Ranger District at 970-327-4261 for current conditions.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Last Dollar Road?
Last Dollar Road is rated easy. The route runs 21 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Last Dollar Road?
High-clearance vehicle. 4WD not required when the road is dry, but recommended after rain. Most stock SUVs handle the route in summer conditions.
When is the best time to visit Last Dollar Road?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at Last Dollar Road?
Spotty