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Dotsero Crater
Dotsero,
Colorado
(Eagle County)
Last Updated:
06/16/2023
Trail Information
Highlights
Considered the last remaining active volcano in Colorado, Dotsero Crater is a unique drive that you cannot experience anywhere else in the state. Located just west of Eagle, before entering the beautiful Glenwood Canyon, Dotsero last erupted around 4,200 years ago. Although extremely small in comparison to other volcanos, this relatively easy drive takes you over former lava flows, past large volcanic boulders, and up to scenic vistas with views of several nearby mountain ranges. This trail is the perfect early season opportunity as it sees relatively small amounts of snow and dries out rather quickly.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
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Ryan Boudreau
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Trail Reviews
Open
Rated
4/5
Visited: 08/31/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Harder
Agree with the previous review. Due to washout causing rutting and loose rock between waypoints 10 and 11, the descent is tricky. I would give the trail a rating of a definite 3 and even a possibly 4. I drove this in a Rubicon Recon with stock size AT tires.
Open
Visited: 08/31/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Harder
Great views at the volcano, the loose gravel can be challenging. The trail does go off route a bit from what I saw. There is a massive 30 degree loose gravel incline you go up if you don't pay attention.
Between points 10 and 12 there is a lot of wash out and you can catch some rock (I was in stock Black Diamond Bronco with AT tires). Still some amazing views but you definitely need a bit more clearance.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 06/23/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
The parts of the trail have been closed/detoured and do not match with the app. The trail can still be completed just be careful to watch for the closed signs and trail markers.
Open
Visited: 06/16/2023
Open for the season.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 02/11/2023
I always love exploring here. Today we came in from the east side (running waypoints backwards) . Around waypoint 13 the snow stops being stock vehicle friendly, at waypoint 12 we encountered a stuck Cherokee and towed them back to 14.
Ultimately we made it just before the hill at waypoint 11 and turned back as the snow got quite deep. My rig has locked 37s. Might enter from the west end tomorrow and check out the conditions there.
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