Aldrich Lakes

Narrow mountain loop northeast of Meeker.

This lesser-used back road cuts through sheep-grazing country to “Sleepy Cat Road,” a major forest road that goes south all the way to the Flat Tops Scenic Byway. This description covers just the northwest end of Sleepy Cat Road and returns to Highway 15. At the time of this writing, the MVUM was not completed. Call number at right for possible closure dates. TIP: At one point during our trip, we encountered plastic bags hung from rope stretched across the trail. Wind blowing the bags scares the sheep and stops them from wandering too far. You may proceed, but please retie the ropes. Think of them as gates.

A steep climb to the lakes is rocky, rutted and sometimes muddy. F.S. 252, which continues south, is narrow and rocky with tight brush in places. Sleepy Cat Road is easy with a few bumps along the way.