Slumgullion Pass to Lake San Cristobal — Lake City High Country Desert Circuit
Landslide lake, shelf road, Packer country.
Slumgullion Pass sits at 11,530 feet on US-149 southwest of Lake City, Colorado, and the road that peels off its eastern shoulder toward Lake San Cristobal is exactly the kind of route that doesn’t announce itself. The Slumgullion Earthflow — a still-moving 700-year-old landslide that dammed the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and created Colorado’s largest natural lake — is visible from the pass overlook before you drop. From the pass, the circuit routes through Cebolla Creek drainage, past the old Ute hunting grounds, and along the edge of Lake San Cristobal itself, where the shelf road above the water gets narrow fast. Alfred Packer’s grim winter camp sits close enough to haunt the whole valley.
This is a moderate-to-difficult run requiring high clearance 4WD, particularly on the shelf sections above the lake and the seasonal mud hits on north-facing slopes. A locking differential helps in spring. Best season is late June through September; snow closes upper sections into early summer most years. Lake City is your fuel and supply stop — fill up, the basin drains your options fast. No permit required. Dispersed camping is available along the Lake Fork corridor. What you get is a self-contained Colorado high country circuit with geology, history, and genuine isolation, all within striking distance of town.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 54.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11530 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Lake City, CO |
| Land manager | Gunnison National Forest / BLM Gunnison Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | 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 | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner can run it, but expect some rock gardens and shelf road edges that will test your skid plates. Lockers or a limited-slip rear help on the loose switchbacks near Slumgullion. A lift isn't required, but it won't hurt.
When does the route actually open after winter — is late May safe?
Late May is a gamble at 11,530 ft. Snow typically lingers on the high sections into early June. June through September is the reliable window, with July and August being peak. Check current conditions with the Gunnison National Forest office before committing.
Do you need any permits or passes to run this circuit?
No permit required. The route crosses Gunnison National Forest and BLM Gunnison land, both of which are free to access for day use and dispersed camping. No fee station, no reservation — just show up.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it technical?
The shelf road descending off Slumgullion Pass is the crux — narrow, loose, with significant exposure on the downhill edge. There are also rutted two-track sections on the sage benchland that punish low-clearance rigs after wet weather. The difficulty is sustained, not a single obstacle.
Are there water crossings, and is there any potable water on route?
Yes, there are water crossings — generally shallow creek fords that are manageable in summer but can run higher with snowmelt in June. There is no potable water on the route itself; filter from streams or carry everything from Lake City before you leave.
Trail track
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