Brown's Gulch

Rating: 2.5. 

This has some moderately steep climbs with a loose surface as well as a few washed out areas. This is still suitable for a small SUV and low-range is not required, but it can be more difficult depending on recent weather.

Location

Just off Red Mountain Pass (Million Dollar Highway) between Ouray and Silverton, CO.

Trailhead

The north end of the road starts immediately south of the top of Red Mountain Pass, about 0.2 miles south of the pass. It is to the left if you are travelling south. Coordinates are 37°53'45.1"N 107°42'49.4"W (37.895860, -107.713734)

The south end starts 0.7 miles north of the turn off to Ophir Pass.

The road parallels highway 550 to the east.

Description

This is a fun, short trip that gives great views of the San Juan Mountains. As with most of the roads in the area, there are multiple mines and mining buildings that you can visit. The road travels to an elevation of about 12,100 feet.

The road isn't difficult, but there are a few areas with ruts and a few washed out areas that requires at least a small SUV. I only used 4-wheel drive for the gearing going downhill.

Here are the GPX and KML files.

Just to the right of the Jeep you can see the road going to Black Bear Pass on the other side of highway 550. The pass is almost exactly above the Jeep.