Cinnamon Pass Road

Relatively easy 4wd road. Scenic Byway

Wildflowers in American Basin along the Cinnamon Pass Rd, Colorado.
American Basin – by Sally Pearce

How to get there:

Starts on CR 30; 2.3 miles south of 2nd St in Lake City

  • From US285/C470 to Lake City
  • 237 miles 5 hours
  • GPS
  • SH 149/CR 30
  • 38.0006 -107.2990

In General:ATVs Allowed - Check RegulationsHigh Clearance Required4wd vehicle with low range requiredCampgroundFishing Available

  • 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 Campground

23 camp units, restrooms and drinking water

Mile 9.1 – Wager Gulch Rd 4wd vehicle with low range requiredHistorical Site or BuildingsScenic vistas

Climbs steeply to Carson ghost town.

Mile 10.9 – Mill Creek CG Campground

22 camp units, restrooms and drinking water.

Mile 13.1 – Sherman Townsite Overlook Scenic vistasHistorical Site or Buildings

Site of a mining camp established in 1875 and destroyed by a flash flood.

Mile 18.5 – Burrows Park Historical Site or BuildingsScenic vistas

A few cabins are all that remain of the former mining settlement.

Mile 20.0 – American Basin Rd 4wd vehicle with low range requiredScenic vistasFlowers

One of the most scenic valleys in the San Juan Mountains. Mid-summer wildflower displays are spectacular.

Mile 22.1 – Cinnamon Pass Scenic vistas

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 Historical Site or BuildingsHistorical mining remnantsScenic vistas

The relatively well preserved Duncan/Walsh House and what is left of the Gold Prince Mill are the major structures remaining.

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