19.5 Road

19-1/2 Road is a rugged and remote route crossing southern Colorado's once-abundant uranium mining region. Also called Uranium Road or Outlaw Mesa, the trail was once a county road but has now deteriorated into a nice 4x4 trail wide enough for all full-size 4x4 overland vehicles. The trail has steep dirt grades that require four-wheel drive for added traction in the washouts and deep ruts. The trail is bumpy and slow going at higher elevations, with loose rocks on the surface. Camping was limited and only found at the higher elevations in the big trees. You can find several campsites with room for large overland groups. During winter, an old gate higher in elevation within the National Forest appears to be in use, and the lower elevations are not maintained from Oct. 15 to June 1. Navigation note: the southern trailhead is marked as 14 Road for a short distance and turns into 19-1/2 Road.