Lonesome Highway — Centennial Range Rim to Island Park via Targhee National Forest Back Road
Kremmling to Steamboat the way Colorado intended.
County Road 11 over Gore Pass in Routt National Forest is the kind of route that doesn’t show up on most tourists’ radar, which is exactly why it’s worth knowing. From Kremmling on the western slope, the road climbs through sage and aspen to Gore Pass at 9,527 feet, running the ridgeline through lodgepole pine before dropping toward Toponas and eventually Steamboat Springs. The Flat Tops Wilderness looms to the west and the Gore Range sits to the southeast — on a clear day the view from the pass itself makes you pull over and just stand there for a minute. Dispersed camping along the Routt sections is unrestricted and the sites along Blacktail Creek draw elk hunters hard in September.
This is a graded dirt road accessible to stock 4WD and capable 2WD trucks in dry conditions — not a technical run, but it turns slick fast in rain and early-season snowpack can linger into June at the pass. No services between Kremmling and Toponas, so fuel up before you leave. Cell service drops out after the first few miles from either end. Best window is late June through October before hunting season crowds settle in. The drive is roughly 40 miles of dirt and is best run west-to-east for afternoon light on the range views. Routt National Forest requires no permit for dispersed camping under 14 days.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 40 mi / 64.4 km |
| Duration | Half to full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9527 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD recommended; capable 2WD in dry conditions |
| Nearest town | Kremmling, CO |
| Land manager | Routt National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Routt NF recreation page |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle this trail without modifications?
Yes. A stock 4WD vehicle handles this easily in dry conditions. A capable 2WD with decent clearance can also make it when the road is dry, but don't push it if there's been recent rain — the clay-heavy sections get slick fast.
When does this route typically open and close for the season?
June through October is the reliable window. Snow can linger on the higher sections into early June and return by late October. Check with Routt National Forest before heading out if you're pushing either end of that window.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the road. Dispersed camping is allowed within Routt National Forest under standard rules — 14-day stay limit, 300 feet from water sources and roads, pack out what you pack in.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
This is an easy trail — the hardest part is navigating wet or muddy sections after rain, which can make the dirt surface slippery even for 4WD rigs. No technical rock work or serious obstacles; it's a gravel spine with some ruts, not a rock crawl.
Is there any cell service on this route and where's the nearest gas?
Expect zero cell service for the bulk of the 40 miles. Fuel up in Kremmling before you leave — it's the last reliable stop on the east end, and you'll want a full tank before heading into the forest.
Trail track
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