Trail Difficulty - MODERATE

I would rate the difficulty of this trail between 3 and 5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The 6.8-mile drive on the dirt road that is CR7 can be bumpy and rough in some places and is best with a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle.

If the road is muddy, don't attempt to drive it, as you are almost guaranteed to get stuck, and it is an 8-mile walk back to Ridgway.

Please note that the dirt road that is county road CR7 is public property and can be used for taking pictures and traveling through the ranchland. However, the land on either side of the dirt road is private property, and the owner, Ralph Lauren (Double RL Ranch), takes this seriously. I have been reminded of this by ranch hands several times.

GPS Coordinates & Elevation

38°03'44.4"N 107°48'45.2"W

9,215 Ft. Elevation

Downloads

GPS location

View In Google earth

Directions

Directions to get driving directions to MT SNEFFELS FROM COUNTY RD #7

From Ridgway - travel west on CO HW62 for approx. 4 miles and look for a sign that says "National Forest Access - Dallas Creek." Once you reach a green sign that says "Ouray 7 County)." CR 7#, turn left (south), and drive through the entrance of the Double RL Ranch. Stay right on CR#7 (not CR7a) and continue on CR#7 for another 4.8 miles. At this point, set your car trip odometer. Continue on this dirt road for 2.1 miles until the road splits.

There are several places to pull off the road facing Mt Sneffels and the beautiful valley.

Photography Tips

If you look closely, you will notice the small creek in the middle of the valley. If possible, try to walk along the road (or climb the small ridge behind the road) to position yourself where the creek is both visible and centered. This will act as an anchor for your eye to center around.

Sunrise comes from the left side of this scene and most people will shoot this location as the sun first hits the peaks - which can produce a great image of this location. I would also suggest waiting until the sun reaches the aspens on the right side of the scent to help highlight that grove. And finally, you can wait until the entire valley is illuminated and hope for overcast clouds to provide some drama.

Sunset is also a great time for this location. The sun will set to the right of the scene. Don't be quick to leave after sunset if there are clouds over the mountains as they light up after the stated sunset time.

Best Time of Day to Shoot

This location is great for sunrise and sunset (and overcast days). Don't leave after sunrise - as the sunlight makes its way down the valley, it will illuminate the aspens on the lower right of the scene, and it can make for a dramatic image.

If there is weather in the area, Mt Sneffels tends to create its own clouds, which can be frustrating. Just be patient.

Best Time of Year

This beautiful location is best photographed during the color fall season.

Lens(es) Needed

You will want to bring lenses ranging from 24 - 70mm.

Birds-Eye View

Permits

No permits are required – as long as you stay on the road. There are several "no trespassing" signs along the road, and the owner, Ralph Lauren (Double RL Ranch), takes this seriously.

Direction of the Shot

The direction of the shot was south by south @ 180°

Equipment Needed

From a photography standpoint - you need a good tripod and potentially a polarizing filter.

From a don't freeze to death standpoint - standing at this location waiting for sunrise can be very uncomfortable without good cold weather gear - in addition to a warm jacket, I would suggest a warm set (or two) of gloves and a damn good hat. Did I mention that it can get cold waiting on this shot?

Number of Other Photographers to Expect

This location is a favorite for landscape photographers and workshops. It can be lots of fun chatting with like-minded folks, and while waiting, you can chat about other nearby locations. Don't be surprised to see 20 - 50 others at this location at both sunrise and sunset.

Weather

Current Weather

The Colorado weather is usually mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20s) in the spring and fall. Having never been to this location in the winter, I am not sure the road is open or maintained at that time of year.

Cell Service

I use Verizon, and there was NO cell service for most of the drive on County Rd 7. There are places along the road where the service is spotty, and the closer you get to the main highway (CO HW62), the better the reception

Lodging & Camping

As far as I know, there are 2 hotels in Ridgway (they usually fill up quickly in the fall, so make sure you plan ahead). Also, Ridgway State Park is approx. 4 miles north of Ridgway, and there are also several other hotels and lodging in Ouray, CO (approx. 10 miles south of Ridgway).

There is a great place for dispersed camping just a couple of miles from this location. At and round the Blue Lakes trailhead 38.035744, -107.807314 can be found many nice places to disperse camp. During the summer and fall season, there were most likely be several, if not many other campers at these locations.

Ridgway State Park is a VERY NICE state park with lots of campsites ($24 for tent only and $32 for full hookups) and includes pay showers, laundry, vending machines, and flush restrooms. Ridgway State Park is reservations only (800) 244-5613 or www.cpwshop.com

Nearby camping and lodging

Camping - click on the campground below for directions

Ridgway State Park (4 miles north of Ridgway)

Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa
(970) 318-7037
304 S Lena St, Ridgway, CO

Ridgway-Ouray Lodge & Suites
(970) 626-5444
373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO

Nearby Restaurants

Ridgway is a GREAT little town to stay at, visit and eat. When in town, I always try to visit Kate's Place and The Grit Cafe.

Ridgway was the location of the original True Grit movie with John Wayne and the True Grit Café was part of the opening scene. Kate's Place has a GREAT breakfast/brunch, and I always try to stop there after my morning shoot. True Grit Café has a nice selection of cold adult beverages and a good menu.

I have also enjoyed a very good pizza and a cold brew at the Colorado Boy and one of the very best taco around can be found at Gnar.

Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review

Kate’s Place
(970) 626-9800
615 W Clinton, Ridgway, CO

Gnar
(970) 626-9715
630 Sherman St, Ridgway, CO

Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery
(970) 626-5333
602 Clinton St, Ridgway, CO

Area Guides and Workshops

None

Other Resources

Visit Ridgway, CO

MP Mt Sneffels From County Rd #7