Smith Mountain Road

Smith Mountain Road, also signed in places as Smith Mountain Jeep Trail, is a 7.5-mile 4x4 route near Delta, Colorado, that combines with South River Road to create a scenic moderate loop above the Gunnison River. Running the trail clockwise is recommended because it places drivers uphill through the narrow shelf road section, reducing the chance of having to yield or back down in the most confined part of the trail. The eastern climb is the trail’s main challenge, with a steep grade of loose, football-sized rock along a single-vehicle-wide shelf road. Passing is extremely limited for roughly half a mile, and drivers should watch carefully for oncoming traffic before committing to the climb.

Near the top of the ascent, the trail encounters small sandstone ledges under 12 inches before leveling out across the mesa. From there, Smith Mountain Road follows the rim above the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, offering several impressive canyon overlooks, distant views of the West Elk Range, and remote, exposed campsites. The route also travels through tight pinyon-juniper vegetation where pinstriping is likely, especially for wider vehicles.

After passing Red Rock Nighthorse Trail, the road begins a gradual descent back toward the valley floor, where the terrain eases, and the pace becomes more relaxed. Smith Mountain Road is best suited for high-clearance 4x4s with low-range and off-road tires. It is a good choice for drivers looking for something rougher and more engaging than a graded road, while still remaining manageable in a properly equipped vehicle.