4th of July Road

While rocky and potholed, there's not exactly any reason most vehicles couldn't technically travel this short, scenic road, though short sidewalls and low clearance are factors to consider. However, it is what I'd probably consider a "1+", in that it is not a well-maintained dirt road that is routinely bladed/scraped like other Front Range routes which are also rated a 1. That said, you absolutely will cross paths with Honda Civics and plenty of other cars since this road is primarily used to access several popular hiking trails from the parking at the end of the road, which does have pit toilets.

I am in total agreement with Dex, this is an amazing trail for seeing the fall colors. I started on the trail around 7 am and it was not busy at all, even ran into a moose on the way up! The trail itself isn't hard at all, there was quite a few bumps and ruts but with a good line most cars should get through relatively unscathed. There is a couple parts where letting oncoming traffic through may be tricky, but for the most part there is good space for two vehicles to get around each other. Highly recommend!

This trail is amazing for fall changes. The description of the trail is pretty much right on spot. Beautiful waterfalls and scenery. The fall leaves were beautiful. We took the trail nice and slow through the bumps and dips. Fun trail!

A nice combination of dirt, rocks, and water for a newer off-roader. Beautiful views at the top, too.

Haven't visited yet this year but if anyone is looking for road status, Boulder manages this road and has a page here: https://bouldercolorado.gov/trailhead/fourth-july

This trail is now closed.. I did this trail in the summer and did it in an Outback

Went on a quick drive to see if the trees were changing (they were) Very crowded to the point where rangers are controlling parking. First 2/3 are gorgeous.

Just to let folks know. On Aug 3 this and Hessie Trail will be closed for the day for road resurfacing.

I love this place.... only challenge is the traffic. So beautiful!! Been here 3 times to picnic and hammock. Saw a moose 2 of those times.

Great views and some nice hiking. Parking for hikes is difficult (as in full by 830 on a Wednesday). Would make a great fall drive with all the aspen in the area.

Bumpy but fun. Beautiful scenery.

Went based on reviews here. Nice scenery! Along a stream. Didn't see much wildlife beyond chipmunks and rabbits. One moderately steep hill but mostly level or gradual incline. Road is heavily rutted but I saw multiple cars and a passenger van having little difficulty. Road ends at trailhead. Came from Denver going west and turning north, returned going east through Boulder but there was construction so don't go that way if there still is.

Nice easy trail with great mountain scenery at the end of the trail. 4 wheel.drive and high ground clearance not required. You can do this trail in your car, personally I wouldn’t take my car. There were a fair amount of larger river rock and large holes from washouts that I would be concerned about my suspension. The trail is mirrored all the way by a stream with lots of small waterfalls along the way a. There was a fair amount of traffic going up the trail, we had to pull over several times to let other vehicles by. Everyone was very courteous about their driving. There were a lot of vehicles parked at the end of the trail but we didn’t see a lot of people. We hiked about 1/4 mile up 4th of July trailhead and stopped to take a picture of a large waterfall over diamond head lake. We didn’t hike far because it was later in the evening. Overall this is a great tail to take family or the kids for scenic views a little off the beaten path.

Closed gate and a Hessie blocked by vehicle

Easy trail! We went up this one for the fall colors and we were very pleased. Very busy trail with hikers and 2 wheel drives!!

Trail was clear, dry, and in good shape the whole way to the hiking trailhead and parking lots. At the parking lot many of the walking paths still had large amounts of snow in the heavily shaded areas.