Posted by Brian Schrayer on September 20, 2012 at 8:58 PM
I am planning a trip around Silverton and one of the locations that I am interested in is the Old Lime Creek road. Is this road accessible in an Outback or do I need more clearance and more capable 4WD?
The NatGeo trails illustrated map doesn't show it to be a high clearance / 4WD road so I assume it is accessible for an Outback but it's wise to check.
Thank you in advance for your help,
Brian
Posted by John Mumaw on September 20, 2012 at 9:37 PM
It's pretty rough and rocky on the northern end toward where it joins up with the highway again. I would want a rugged high clearance vehicle to do that part. The good news is that the lower (southern) 2/3 of the road will be fine for your Outback, and you can always turn around and go back the way you came in if you don't care to drive that upper section.
This is an excellent way to enjoy autumn scenery without the high speeds and traffic you encounter on the highway.
Posted by Brian Schrayer on September 20, 2012 at 10:14 PM
Thanks, John. I appreciate your input!!
Posted by Joe Rogers on September 21, 2012 at 8:59 AM
Thanks John...I've often wondered about the same question as Brian.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Morris McClung on September 21, 2012 at 2:55 PM
Brian, you'll have to let me know what it was like on that road when we meet up!
Posted by George Hager on September 21, 2012 at 4:46 PM
Last year when I went over it, it was obnoxiously rocky and bumpy, but I don't remember clerance being a problem. I once took a small RV over the road, but a) it may have been in better shape and b) I was probably an idiot.
Posted by John Mumaw on September 21, 2012 at 6:34 PM
Great post, George!
As noted, if you start from the south and drive northerly, you can bail at any time.
Posted by Karl Buiter on September 21, 2012 at 9:11 PM
Just an old bumpy dirt road.
I took it in September last year and in May this year, and while I have a 4x4, it is not a 4x4 road as you might find elsewhere in the San Juans. There is some historical signage that notes it was the main route (other than by train) between Silverton and the Durango area before the modern road 550 was built.
Discussion
7 repliesThe NatGeo trails illustrated map doesn't show it to be a high clearance / 4WD road so I assume it is accessible for an Outback but it's wise to check.
Thank you in advance for your help,
Brian
This is an excellent way to enjoy autumn scenery without the high speeds and traffic you encounter on the highway.
Joe Rogers
As noted, if you start from the south and drive northerly, you can bail at any time.
I took it in September last year and in May this year, and while I have a 4x4, it is not a 4x4 road as you might find elsewhere in the San Juans. There is some historical signage that notes it was the main route (other than by train) between Silverton and the Durango area before the modern road 550 was built.
There are several nice spots along it. Enjoy!