Relatively easy 4wd road.
In General:
- Length: 25 miles
- Driving Time: min. 2 hours
This route is a relatively easy 4wd road; some portions are paved and large portions have a relatively smooth, wide, gravel surface. However, the moderately steep and rough approaches to the pass may challenge high clearance vehicles without lo range gearing.
Photo Ops:
Mile 5.1 – ATV Staging Area
Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed east of this point.
Mile 6.9 – Williams Creek CG
23 camp units, restrooms and drinking water
Mile 9.1 – Wager Gulch Rd
Climbs steeply to Carson ghost town.
Mile 10.9 – Mill Creek CG
22 camp units, restrooms and drinking water.
Mile 13.1 – Sherman Townsite Overlook
Site of a mining camp established in 1875 and destroyed by a flash flood.
Mile 18.5 – Burrows Park
A few cabins are all that remain of the former mining settlement.
Mile 20.0 – American Basin Rd
One of the most scenic valleys in the San Juan Mountains. Mid-summer wildflower displays are spectacular.
Mile 22.1 – Cinnamon Pass
One of the highest passes in the San Juans at 12,620′. Looking east, see Handies, Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks, three “fourteeners”. Terrific vistas into the Animas Forks valley west of the pass.
Mile 25.0 – Animas Forks
The relatively well preserved Duncan/Walsh House and what is left of the Gold Prince Mill are the major structures remaining.