Rockdale Trailhead

Sawatch Range

Road Difficulty

4 Moderate 4WD, good clearance

Driving Directions

From Leadville: Drive 20 miles south on U.S. 24 and turn right on the Chaffee County 390 road.
From Buena Vista: Drive 14.5 miles north on U.S. 24 and turn left on the Chaffee County 390 road.

On the 390 road, drive about 9.6 miles and turn left onto Forest Road (FR) 381 just after some cabins. Drive 0.1 mile down past cabins and left toward Clear Creek. There is a turn-around circle here and the road continues toward the creek after the circle. If you don't have a high-clearance, short, 4WD vehicle, park in this area. Even with the right 4WD vehicle, fording Clear Creek is not recommended until after July, when the water levels are lower. From here, it's a 3 mile walk to the end of the road, near Clohesy Lake.

Follow FR 381 through shallow water to reach Clear Creek. You must now cross two streams. First, cross Clear Creek to gain higher ground between the two streams. Then, cross the Lake Fork stream.

After the water, continue 2.6 miles to a large parking area at 10,880'. Most 4WDers park here, but it's possible to continue another 0.3 miles to a gate, near 11,040'.

Notes

2WD dirt access to the Rockdale turn-off. Narrow, Rough 4WD to 11,040' below Cloyses Lake. In spring and early summer, the river crossings after Rockdale can be very difficult and dangerous. Short wheelbase and high clearance required.

Trailhead Status Updates

Most Recent Update 8/8/2026:

Made it to the gate in my tacoma. Streams were not an issue.

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Winter Access

Closed near 9,200 feet - many miles below the TH.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees

Parking: Room for a couple of vehicles at the start of FR 381, and a couple by the creek crossing. If you can drive to the upper, 4WD area, you'll find a spot to park.
Camping: Places to car camp along the 390 road but not much near rockdale or the river crossing. If you make it up the 4wd road, there are spots.
Restrooms: No
Fees: No

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