Clear Lake

Rating: 3
This road initially starts easy and slowly worsens as you approach clear lake. Low-range is necessary due to some steeper climbs and some medium sized rocks. The last half mile of the climb is the hardest, and can be rated at a 3-3.5 depending on recent weather. The day we went it was raining making the last portion at least a 3.5.

Location
Near Silverton, CO.

Trailhead
This is an out and back road. The road starts 3.7 miles north (toward Ouray, CO) of Silverton on the Million Dollar Highway. The road goes to the west. There is a sign marking the turn-off saying "National Forest Access" and I think it also says "South Mineral Campground." GPS coordinates: 37.818218, -107.702502.

Description
This is a fun, short road that takes you to a fairly secluded mountain lake. The scenery is typical for the San Juan Mountains with many amazing vistas. The lake at the top is small, but nestled in a nice bowl surrounded by steep mountains. The road starts off as a well graded road and there are multiple campgrounds in the area.

The road is well maintained until you take the turn to the right that takes you to Clear Lake with a sign saying you need high clearance and 4-wheel drive. This turn-off is 3.7 miles from the pavement (37.805389, -107.762817). The road is fairly easy most of the way. The hardest section is the last climb before you get into the bowl. It isn't very difficult, but low range and a careful line are important. Any modified off-road vehicle will have no challenge on this road, but it may be a small challenge for a stock vehicle.

About 3/4 the way there is a cascading waterfall from the stream coming out of clear lake. This is located at one of the switchbacks and there is a small amount of room for you to park and enjoy the view.

On the way back down, we decided to follow the main road to the end.The road is was maintained until you passed the South Mineral Campground. After this the road became a little more rough, but not requiring 4-wheel drive. This road would be rated a 2 due to some rough areas making it less suitable for a car. The views are great up this road and it ends at a hiking trail.

Here is the KML track.

 This is one of my favorite pictures of the 4Runner. I love the orange water from the mine, the contrast between the orange and the green, and the way the 4Runner is going off the left of the picture with the road behind it. I think it looks like an advertisement for the 4Runner, "Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, taking you places you never dreamed possible!"

 Once you get above the tree-line, the views are stunning!

 

This is the cascading waterfall. Molly was terrified sitting on this rock next to the edge. She was clinging to me frantically.  

 This is the hardest spot on the road. It isn't that bad, but it isn't quite as flat as it looks in the picture. I actually tried to take the hardest line so I could get a tire in the air. If you look closely at the next picture, my rear tire is about 1" off the ground--my locker worked like a charm. 

Molly loves her "Minnie 'brella"

 This picture and the next are on the road after South Mineral Campground (going straight on the dirt road instead of turning right to go up to Clear Lake). As you can see, it isn't difficult at all, but some areas can be a little rough.