This is an 18-mile gravel road which runs along the Rio Grande River for much of its length. The road begins off Colorado Highway 149 approximately 20.1 miles southwest of Creede, and travels through the scenic Upper Rio Grande River Drainage to Lost Trail Campground. (The road continues as the four-wheel drive Stony Pass Road #520 west of Lost Trail Campground.)

The Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520 is heavily traveled throughout the summer recreation season (mid-June through August). The road is narrow and rough in spots. This, coupled with dust from the heavy traffic (motor homes, travel and horse trailers, etc.), makes the road hazardous. People not accustomed to driving narrow mountain roads will often be on your half of the road, so drive slowly and cautiously. Always drive as far to the right of the road as possible, especially around curves.

Beautiful mountain scenery and numerous recreation facilities are found along the Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520. Road Canyon Reservoir and Rio Grande Reservoir glisten like jewels under the brilliant summer sun and mirror the reflections of the surrounding mountains and deep blue skies. These reservoirs, along with the Rio Grande River, and numerous creeks in the area are a trout fisherman's paradise, and offer some of the best fishing in the country. Several resorts and guest ranches are also located along the road. Numerous trails served the general area.

Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520 is usually kept open to the Rio Grande Reservoir dam and caretakers home all year, but can be hazardous driving or impassable to passenger cars during the winter. The trip from the junction of Colorado Highway 149 to Lost Trail Campground and back takes approximately one and one-half hours.

Elevation: 9,026 Feet

Ending elevation: 9,600 Feet

Difficulty: Easy

Directions: From Creede, 20.1 miles southwest on Colorado Highway 149 to the junction of Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520. Bear left (west) at this intersection.

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