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Eagle Ranger District

Quick Facts

West Deep Creek Rim Four-Wheel Drive Road

Average Time:	1/2 Hour
Beginning Elevation:	10,100 Feet (3148.4 Meters)
Difficulty:	More Difficult
Elevation Gain:	360 Feet (112.2 Meters)
Length, One-Way:	4 Miles (6.5 Kilometers)
Recommended Season:	June-October
Road Number:	FDR 620
Usage:	Light
USGS Maps:	Broken Rib Spring

Outfitters and Guides

General Description

This two track road leaves the Coffee Pot Road, FDR 600, to climb up a southern slope meadow and follow along the west rim of the Deep Creek Canyon. The road erodes easily and often has deep ruts in the clay soil. Because of the soft nature of clay, this road becomes difficult to drive when wet. Mostly traveling is in open grassy meadows, though the road does pass through a couple of small patches of aspen and spruce/fir forest. On the steeper inclines, there are likely to be large protruding rocks. There are two intermittent stream crossings, which are relatively easy to cross. This old logging road ends at a stand of timber.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:
HUNTING ACCESS - This 4-wheel drive road receives most of its use during hunting season. It provides access to the Deep Creek Canyon rim where deer and elk often go to seek refuge.

SCENIC VIEWS - Several areas along the road offer nice views of the 2200 foot deep canyon carved by Deep Creek. The steep cliffs show many layers of sedimentary sandstones and limestone.

Directions from Eagle: Travel 12 miles west of Eagle on I-70 to the Dotsero exit. Follow signs for Sweetwater and Burns turning north onto the Colorado River Road. Stay on this road for 1.8 miles, then turn left on FDR 600, the Coffee Pot Road, and go 16.5 miles up. Make a right turn onto FDR 620.

Directions from Vail: Travel 43 miles west on I-70 to the Dotsero exit. Follow signs for Sweetwater and Burns turning north onto the Colorado River Road. Stay on this road for 1.8 miles, then turn left on FDR 600, the Coffee Pot Road, and go 16.5 miles up. Make a right turn onto FDR 620.

Directions from Beaver Creek: Travel 43 miles west on I-70 to the Dotsero exit. Follow signs for Sweetwater and Burns turning north onto the Colorado River Road. Stay on this road for 1.8 miles, then turn left on FDR 600, the Coffee Pot Road, and go 16.5 miles up. Make a right turn onto FDR 620.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: July through October .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Open to snowmobile, ski and snowshoe only. Updated: 2002-01-16 10:07:00.0

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Four-Wheel Driving	West Deep Creek Rim	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Deep Creek Canyon	Yes

Related Activities

Coffee Pot General Forest Area - The Coffee Pot General Forest Area encompasses the southeast end of the Flat Tops. The area is dominated by the high Colorado plateau which drop into steep brush covered hillsides.

Coffee Pot Road - The Coffee Pot Road, a gravel road which climbs over 4000 feet from the Colorado River, up onto the Flat Tops to Deep Lake, is a main access point for the south end of the Flat Tops.

Coffee Pot Spring Campground - Coffee Pot Spring Campground, with 6 developed sites, sits on the edge of an aspen stand at an elevation of 10,000 feet, with a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Deep Creek Overlook - This spectacular overlook of Deep Creek Canyon is located just off the Coffee Pot Road and is wheelchair accessible by the Deep Creek Overlook Trail.

The Flat Tops Area - The area discussed here consists of the south end of the Flat Tops, accessed by the Coffee Pot Road, which provides a vast area for multiple outdoor recreation activities.