Colorado BDR Southern Segment — Silverton to Chama via the San Juan Backcountry
San Juan high country, raw and unfiltered.
The Colorado BDR’s southern leg gets less glory than the alpine stuff up north, but the miles between Silverton and Chama are where the route earns its reputation. Out of Silverton you’re threading old mining roads and shelf tracks above timberline, dodging afternoon thunderstorms that build fast and mean it. The route drops through the Weminuche Wilderness boundary corridor, crosses into the San Juan National Forest proper, and eventually punches south into New Mexico through the Carson National Forest past Cumbres Pass — the same country the Cumbres & Toltec narrow-gauge railway cuts through at 10,015 feet. The high passes demand respect: exposure is real, the air is thin, and loose gravel on descents doesn’t care about your overconfidence.
Difficult. Lift-equipped 4WD with lockers preferred above Silverton; the route mellows south of Pagosa Springs but never fully relents. Plan for afternoon lightning above treeline June through August — ride it early or wait it out. Water is generally available from streams but treat everything. No single permit covers the full route; Weminuche Wilderness has day-use restrictions on mechanized travel, so confirm your exact line before committing. Best window is July through September. Cell service is gone for most of it. Fuel in Silverton and again in Chama — there’s nothing reliable in between on the back route. This is the Colorado high country at its least curated.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 186 mi / 299.3 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 12980 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Silverton, Colorado |
| Land manager | USFS San Juan National Forest / Carson National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Colorado BDR Official Route fs.usda.gov |
| 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 Jeep Wrangler handle this segment, or do I need a built rig?
A stock Wrangler Rubicon can squeak through, but a lifted rig with lockers is the minimum for running this confidently. High-centered, narrow shelf roads and rocky two-track above 12,000 feet will punish anything less — a stock 4Runner is likely to get you into trouble on the harder sections.
When does this route typically open and close for the season?
July through September is your window — snowpack at elevation keeps passes impassable well into June most years, and early fall storms can drop snow above 11,000 feet by late September. Check current conditions with USFS San Juan National Forest before you leave, especially if you're running early or late in that window.
Do I need any permits to run this route or camp along the way?
No permit is required to drive the route itself. Dispersed camping on San Juan and Carson National Forest land is free and permit-free, but you must follow Leave No Trace rules and any posted fire restrictions — check active fire restrictions before you go because this area enforces them hard in dry years.
What's the hardest section on this segment and what should I actually expect?
The exposed shelf roads and rocky two-track descending out of the San Juan high country near the Colorado–New Mexico border are the crux — narrow, off-camber, with significant drop-offs and no room for error. Expect slow going, 5–10 mph sections, and a trail that demands your full attention rather than scenic cruising.
How far is the fuel gap between Silverton and Chama, and can I make it on one tank?
Silverton to Chama is roughly 186 miles of backcountry — there is no fuel on route. Most rigs will need a transfer tank or extra fuel cans; plan for at least 8–10 gallons of reserve on top of a full tank given the low-speed, high-RPM terrain. Chama, NM is your first reliable fuel stop at the end.
Trail track
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