Gravel Driveway Maintenance in Southern Colorado: How to Keep Your Driveway in Top Shape
If you own property in Southern Colorado, odds are good you’ve got a gravel driveway. And if you’ve got a gravel driveway, you’ve probably cursed at potholes, fought through ruts, or watched your road disappear in a flash summer storm.
The good news? Regular maintenance doesn’t have to be a headache—and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little knowledge (and the right tools or contractor), you can keep your driveway solid year-round and extend its life by years.
Let’s dig in.
Why Gravel Driveways Take a Beating in Southern Colorado
Southern Colorado brings the full force of the seasons. We’re talking:
Winter freeze-thaw cycles that loosen gravel
Spring runoff that erodes the base
Intense summer downpours from monsoonal storms
Dry spells that turn everything into washboards
And that’s before you count the traffic—trucks, trailers, tractors, you name it. Gravel driveways in counties like Huerfano, Custer, Alamosa, and Costilla take a beating from nature and work alike.
Gravel driveways throughout Southern Colorado are susceptible to potholes and surface damage.
Potholes, Ruts, and Washboards: The Southern Colorado Trifecta
Drive up County Road 572 or into the hills outside La Veta, and you’ll find all three: potholes deep enough to eat a tire, ruts from runoff, and that classic corrugated washboard effect that rattles your fillings.
Potholes form from water infiltration and repeated tire pressure.
Ruts carve out when water follows the same path downhill.
Washboarding shows up after long dry stretches mixed with repeated traffic.
Fix It:
For potholes: Rake or scrape them down, refill with fresh gravel, and compact thoroughly.
For ruts: Add material and regrade the slope.
For washboards: You need a full regrade to reset the surface.
DIY works for light touch-ups, but if you're constantly fixing the same problem—it’s time to call in a pro.
The Secret Sauce: Grading for Drainage
If your driveway isn’t graded properly, water becomes your worst enemy. That’s why the “crown”—a slight slope from the center outward—is key. It lets water run off instead of cutting through the middle. In Southern CO, this is even more important. You get snowmelt in spring and aggressive thunderstorms in summer. Water needs a place to go besides your driveway.
When to Regrade:
Water is pooling or running straight down the middle
Edges are eroding
You see frequent rutting after storms
A properly graded driveway can last years longer—and reduce your maintenance headaches big time.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for the Four-Season Grind
You don’t need to baby your gravel driveway—but you do need to pay attention at key times of year.
Spring
Repair freeze/thaw damage
Re-grade soft spots
Clear culverts and ditches
Summer
Watch for washouts after storms
Address any exposed base layer
Regrade if needed
Fall
Top off with fresh gravel if you’re low
Prep for snowplowing
Check drainage before it freezes
Winter
Plow smart—avoid digging into the gravel
Consider a snowplow with shoes or a rubber edge
Don't salt gravel driveways—it can damage the structure
When to Add Fresh Gravel (And What Works Best Around Here)
If you're down to the dirt or seeing muddy patches, it's time for a fresh layer.
Good options for Southern Colorado:
Road Base – Excellent compaction and drainage
5/8" to 3/4" Crushed Aggregate – Great for top layer and finish
Recycled Asphalt (RAP) – Holds together well and resists erosion
We deliver all three across Huerfano and surrounding counties, and what works best depends on your soil, slope, and budget.
Recycled asphalt is an excellent choice of material for driveways in Southern Colorado.
DIY vs. Hiring a Local Pro (That’s Us!)
You can do basic driveway fixes with a box blade or landscape rake—but serious ruts, major washouts, or long drives? That’s pro territory.
As a local, licensed and insured contractor based right here in Southern Colorado, we bring:
The right equipment: commercial dump truck, heavy duty skid steer, gravel grading attachments
The right material: we know where to source gravel, rock and aggregate that performs in Southern Colorado
And the local service: we work in the exact soil and slope conditions you’re dealing with
Keep It Solid Year-Round
Gravel driveways don’t have to be a pain. With smart upkeep and local know-how, they can last for decades. If you're dealing with erosion, potholes, or just want a fresh top layer—Spanish Peaks Landworks is here to help.
📍 Serving Huerfano, Costilla, Alamosa, Custer, Las Animas, and Pueblo counties
📞 Call 720.505.1892