Segment 6

Roubideau Canyon & Uncompahgre Plateau

  • Distance: 99.7 miles

  • Vertical: +12077', -9849'

  • Highlights:

    • Roubideau Canyon

    • Aspen groves

    • San Juan Ranch

  • Main Challenges:

    • Route finding in Roubideau Canyon

    • Long road walk into Ridgway

  • Scrambling Grade: Class 2, mostly trails.

  • Exposure: Minimal

Roubideau Canyon, Camel Back Wilderness Study Area

The final segment of the Western Canyons, Segment 6 connects Cottonwood Canyon to the beautiful and difficult Roubideau Canyon in the Camel Back Wilderness Study Area. Route-finding along the seldom-used trail presents several challenges, first and foremost the high frequency of Roubideau Creek crossings.

After saying hi to the Ben Lowe Cabin ruins, the GCR enters Uncompahgre National Forest to start working its way over the Uncompahgre Plateau towards the San Juan Mountains. Pass by more frequent water sources and beautiful aspen groves including some racy arborglyphs if you keep your eyes peeled.

This section concludes with a beautiful walk down Dave Woods Road to State Highway 62, taking you over the Dallas Divide all the way to the lovely town of Ridgway. Lodging options in the town are currently pricey, so some nearby camping options are suggested in the map.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Gunnison River near Escalante Canyon

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any seasonal closures, but you don’t want to hike here during the summer.

Snow may be present in Uncompahgre Plateau in early season.

Gunnison River near Escalante Canyon

Roubideau Canyon

Permits & Fees

There are no permits for this segment.

If you stay at Iron Springs Campground, it is $16.

  • Antoine Spring nearby is free.

Water

This segment has appreciably water than earlier, but there are still some long stretches between creeks.

  • Unreliable springs and cow troughs between Gunnison River and Roubideau Creek.

  • Ample water going up Roubideau.

  • Seasonal streams and reliable springs on Uncompahgre Plateau.

  • Occasional water on road walk into Ridgway.

Dave Woods Road

Camping

Other than private property (e.g., along the road to Ridgway), camping is less complicated in this segment.

Uncompahgre Plateau

Other Considerations

  • Don’t Bust the Crust: Please hike and camp on durable surfaces. This area is home to cryptobiotic soils that take years to grow and should not be trampled.

  • Really hard route finding: Roubideau Canyon has a poorly maintained and very overgrown trail. It will likely frustrate you, and we will revisit other options in the future.

  • State Highway Road Walk: The end of this segment has a lengthy road walk to Ridgway. Plan on doing it all in one day and be careful with traffic.