Rimrocker Trail — Montrose to Moab via the Uncompahgre Plateau and Paradox Valley
Aspen plateau to red rock desert, all on dirt.
The Rimrocker Trail is a two-day dirt line between Montrose, Colorado and Moab, Utah, and it skips almost all the pavement in between. You climb out of the Uncompahgre Valley onto the Uncompahgre Plateau, where aspen and ponderosa roads roll along the Divide Road at over 9,000 feet. Then you drop west into the sandstone country of the Dolores and San Miguel drainages. You cross the Paradox Valley, a strange, flat valley that cuts straight across the grain of the land. You finish on the Utah side among the La Sal Mountains with Moab’s red walls ahead of you. It’s a good way to see how the high country turns into desert.
It’s not a hard route, and most of it is graded dirt and county road suited to a stock high-clearance 4WD. A few sections of rock and clay turn nasty fast when it rains, so pay attention to the sky and the forecast. Fuel and supplies are thin: top off in Montrose, again in Nucla or Naturita, and run full before the last long push to Moab. Water is scarce in the lower half, so carry plenty. Best months are June through October, and the high plateau can hold snow into early summer. Camp dispersed on public land, keep your wheels on existing roads, and expect little cell service.
Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 160 mi / 257.5 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9500 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Montrose, Colorado |
| Land manager | USFS Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison NFs / BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS GMUG National Forests BLM Uncompahgre Field Office |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle the Rimrocker Trail?
Yes. A stock high-clearance 4WD is the listed minimum, and the route is rated Moderate. Expect washboard, rocky stretches, and clay sections that turn slick when wet. All-terrain tires and a full-size spare are worth having.
When is the Rimrocker Trail open, and can you run it in winter?
Best season is June through October. The Uncompahgre Plateau tops out around 9,500 feet and holds snow and mud well into spring, so the higher forest sections are generally not practical in winter. Check with the GMUG National Forests for current conditions before you go.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive the Rimrocker Trail?
The route crosses USFS (Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison NFs) and BLM land, and no route-wide permit is listed. Dispersed camping is allowed in many spots, but fire restrictions and closures change seasonally, so confirm with the USFS and the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office. Stay on designated routes and watch for private land and Moab-area camping rules near the end.
What's the hardest part of the Rimrocker Trail?
There's no single technical crux. The challenge is the length and changing conditions: rocky, rutted climbs on the plateau, plus clay that gets greasy and impassable after rain, especially in the lower desert and Paradox Valley sections. Wet weather is what turns a Moderate trail into a hard one.
How should I plan fuel, water, and camping for the Rimrocker Trail?
The route is about 160 miles over roughly 2 days, with spotty cell service and remote stretches, so start in Montrose with a full tank, extra water, and offline maps. Dispersed camping is available, with the best options up on the plateau. The desert sections toward Moab are hotter and have less shade and water.
Trail track
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