Island Mesa Road

Island Mesa Road is a remote, adventurous traverse across the Utah and Colorado Stateline. Coupled with Gypsum Valley Road, this half-day crossing is full of distant mountain views and moderate challenges that keep things interesting for the driver. The steep, loose hill on the edge of Island Mesa, leading to Gypsum Valley, has numerous switchbacks, narrow spots, fallen boulders, and one near vertical ledge. The hill requires low-range 4x4, off-road tires, and high ground clearance. Because of the remoteness of the area, experience is necessary to ensure confidence on the hill. Slow, steady momentum and confident tire placement are required. Large overland camper top vehicles are not recommended for this trail. The trail is significantly narrow and prone to washouts, which could present issues for full-width pickup trucks.

The western end of the trail within Utah begins as an easy gravel road with access to a large group camping area miles before the trail becomes difficult. The eastern trailhead begins at the end of Gypsum Valley Road and at the bottom of the switchback hillclimb. Camping within Colorado and the Tres Rios BLM area is limited to sporadic small spots on old mining spur trails. They are hidden in the boulders and look like old cowboy camps.