Last Dollar Road
We had already completed four trails and we were in Telluride. Our choices from there were to take the highway back to Ouray or take Last Dollar Road. It was only a bit after 3:00PM so time was on our side. We made the left turn off Highway 145 toward the airport and we were on our way. We had both done this trip before so we knew the way but we were going to get the trail on the website for the first time.
A couple of miles in, the road went right and turned into a meandering, two-lane, gravel road. The scenery was nice and the trail was very mellow. We could have made some good time on this road but we kept the pace down to keep enjoying the day.
A few miles down, the road made a right turn and changed to a single-lane, dirt road. Here, we caught up with some cyclists attempting to take their bicycles through the muddy and rocky road. The mud was a result of the early morning showers, and it was quite slick in places but easily manageable.
The muddy road soon gave way to a rocky section that kept climbing through some large aspen trees. It would occasionally break into open meadows with some great views. At one point, we reached an overlook which we assumed was the summit. We spent some time at the summit simply for a break and to take in the views of the valley below.
The descent was very much like the ascent in that the trail would change from rocky sections to wide, gravel sections with an occasional muddy, narrow section. The aspen groves were something to see and for the most part were not yet turning yellow and brown. To take this road when the aspen were yellow would be something to see.
Before long we could see County Road 58 off in the distance. We assumed that once we turned onto this road that we would be on one of those wide, easy sections. We were wrong. This road soon gave way to a muddy section with aspens on each side. To run this road while it is raining would indeed be a challenge though probably a lot of fun.
County Road 58 soon got us to Highway 62 and the end of Last Dollar Road. It was much more fun than taking Highway 145 out of Telluride. We may not have saved any time but it was more scenic and interesting. We were sure we'd be doing this one again.
