Synopsis
First Notch Trail is a nice short run in between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs, Co. There are a series of 4wd trails in this area, mostly used by atv's as we encountered no other trucks out there. Lots of thick aspen and some small backcountry camping sites.

Group Size:
Some of this trail is a wide graded dirt road, and some is a very narrow, rocky/muddy/rutted mess with not much room to pass. Luckily we only encountered atv's on this part of the trail, which we were able to squeak by, but there would be next to no room for passing another truck and no room to turn around. Also most of the dispersed camping sites are small and next to the trail. No more than 3 trucks recommended.

Difficulty
2.5- Although 2wd can easily handle the graded portion of the road, there is an 11.5 mile section where 4wd is required. Embedded rock, mud, deep ruts and a narrow trail make it slow-going, especially during or after a recent rain/snow. Rain can make the large embedded rocks slippery and there is heavy vegetation in this section.

Length
20.8 miles

Location
Southwest Colorado between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs, Co.

Aerial of the trail:


Pictures
Trail starts out nice and smooth


Eventually getting a little rougher


On the way in to the narrow part of the trail



Coming into the worst part you will find this



Be sure to lookout for the natural wildlife at the end of the trail


Previous AZFJ Runs to this Trail
Summit Adventure!

GPS Track