JQS Road

4×4 Recommended

The JQS Road is a 7-mile dirt road adventure climbing 3,000 feet up the side of the Bookcliffs to the top of the Roan Plateau. The route is great for OHVs, mountain bikes, and vehicles with 4-wheel drive and high clearance who are willing to brave the extremely narrow, steep, rocky, and potentially treacherous conditions. Near the top the trail switchbacks as it cuts through the steepest and rockiest part of the Bookcliffs. Once on top, the trail connects with the road network of the Roan Plateau to visit sites like the Anvil Points. For an easier and less dramatic route to the top of the Roan, check out Cow Creek Road. Directions: From Rifle take Highway 13 North for 1 mile to the Highway 13 Bypass. Proceed west on the Bypass for .5 mile to Fravert Reservoir Road (County Road 244)that is the turn-off for Hubbard Mesa. In about 2 miles the road forks: take the left fork and continue through the Hubbard Mesa Open Area for another 2.5 miles, passing the parking lot and climbing to the next mesa. Here the road will T into the JQS Trail (CR 242). Turn left to begin the climb up the Bookcliffs!