Middle Quartz Creek

Middle Quartz Creek Road is a scenic, family-friendly drive that follows Middle Quartz Creek east from Pitkin into the heart of the Gunnison National Forest. The road is wide and well-maintained with a hard-packed dirt surface and scattered small gravel, making it suitable for passenger vehicles in normal conditions while offering an easy outing for any high clearance vehicle. The road winds through dense spruce and pine forest with frequent views of surrounding mountain slopes and broad meadows, creating a peaceful setting that makes the drive worthwhile even if you are not headed farther into the backcountry. Along the way, you will pass the historic Trimble Stage Stop, a reminder of the area's stagecoach era, before reaching the Quartz Creek Campground at the end of the road. Dispersed camping is plentiful throughout the corridor, with numerous established campsites tucked into the forest, making this one of the most popular camping destinations near Pitkin during the summer months. Whether you are looking for a campsite, a scenic drive, or access to hiking and the surrounding trail network, Middle Quartz Creek Road is an easy and rewarding destination.