Washout Road

Beginner-Intermediate 2-3 Hours     15.3 Miles

If you’re looking for a fun ride out of Poncha Springs, two to three hours in length and not too difficult, try the Washout Road Trail, named for the old road where it comes down.
Rating: Beginner-intermediate.
Distance: 15.3 mile loop, or shorter spurs could be created.
Time: 2 to 3 hours.
Elevation: Starting at 7,445 feet, climbing to 8,500 feet at the highest point.
Trails: Paved highway with wide shoulder, paved county road with little
traffic, four-wheel drive graded dirt road, some sand.
Maps: This ride up to FSR 5630 will be found on the San Isabel National Forest Map, Sixth Meridian, as well as the Poncha Springs Quadrangle. Please consult maps to get the specifics of this ride, as the turn-off to 5630 is prior to the turn-off to Droney Gulch (which is a much longer and more strenuous ride).
Access: This ride starts from Poncha Springs’ Chipeta Park, or can start anywhere along the route and can be completed as a loop or out and back as a spur.
Ride Description: This ride is a classic for a spectacular view of the valley’s 14ers. To begin, drive to Chipeta Park, one block south off U.S. 50 in Poncha Springs on La Plata street. A small “Town Park” sign is on the highway.

Ride west from the park on Sabeta street. Go to the second stop sign, which will be the intersection of Sabeta and U.S. 285. Turn right (north) and pass the post office on the left.

Continue past the intersection of U.S. 285 and U.S. 50 to .7 mile, where U.S. 285 turns right. Turn right (north) at this intersection and head up for a short climb. The Crossroads of the Rockies Visitors Center will be on your left. At 1.7 miles, turn left (west) toward the mountains on CR 140.

Continue west to mile 3.6, where the pavement turns to dirt and there is a four-way intersection. Make a right turn on CR 250. Here, a national forest sign says, “Blanks Gulch five miles, Squaw Creek eight miles.” Ride past a ranch and a large gravel pit. At mile 4.9 is a cattle guard and a Mt. Shavano Wildlife Management Area sign.

You will find several turn-offs from the main dirt road along the way. Many are old mining roads, so stick to the main road! Cross another cattleguard at 6.1 miles. At 6.4 miles is a marker for FR 5630 on your right.
The road veers right and continues down the drainage called Washout Road. Be aware that the road winds around and may be rutted after prolonged rain spells. At mile 8 is another cattle guard.

At mile 8.9, the road drops down into the actual Washout drainage. The bed of the drainage will be your trail and is very sandy at times. The sand tends to be a bit more rideable after some rain. Do not attempt this ride during imminent rain storms!

At mile 9.9, the road veers off and up to the left. The main wash will continue off to the right. You’ll need to gear down but it’s a short climb. Stay on this road as it begins to drop toward the highway.

At mile 10.8 is a cattle guard and U.S. 285 is in front of you. Turn right (south) onto U.S. 285 and begin your ascent up Hurricane Hill and your trip back to Poncha Springs.