A fantastic ride during the summer and fall. It provides a great climb through an aspen forest into the beautiful Rush where you'll be surrounded by dramatic peaks. The jeep road leads to the inactive Red Arrow Mine. There are several old mining structures and equipment along the way. The road tops out around 12000 ft and has big chunky talus and extreme cliff side exposure.
Directions from town: Head east on hwy 160 for 3 miles. Turn left onto Road 44 (Echo Basin Road). After 1 mile, Turn right onto Road L (Red Arrow Road). Follow this for another 2 miles until you reach the National Forest Boundary. There is a small parking on the right just beyond the cattle guard.
The road begins climbing immediately beyond the cattle guard. The main road is very easy to follow as it stays very wide until you reach the aspen grove. There are many smaller, less traveled roads that intersect with Red Arrow Rd that lead to old mining sites. Take note of FS322 on your left as this is another route option if you're looking for additional mileage and climbing.
Once you reach Rush Basin you will be just east of Helmet Peak with the East Mancos River drainage on your right. The road eventually ends in Rush Basin so from there you can turn around and head back down to where you parked or you can head back down to FS322 and take this up and over the Hogback Ridge (at the base of Helmet Peak). Be careful descending Hogback as it is very steep and chewed up from ATV use. This will lead you to the main Echo Basin Rd. loop. Head left at every fork in the road you approach and continue to descend on the road until you reach Road L/Red Arrow Road. Take a left and head the 2 miles back to your car.
Once you reach Rush Basin you will be just east of Helmet Peak with the East Mancos River drainage on your right. The road eventually ends in Rush Basin so from there you can turn around and head back down to where you parked or you can head back down to FS322 and take this up and over the Hogback Ridge (at the base of Helmet Peak). Be careful descending Hogback as it is very steep and chewed up from ATV use. This will lead you to the main Echo Basin Rd. loop. Head left at every fork in the road you approach and continue to descend on the road until you reach Road L/Red Arrow Road. Take a left and head the 2 miles back to your car.
