A spectacular adventure. Neat miners cabin. I only did a short section of segment 25, but the views are outstanding. We should expect some snow to remain in the trees, but they say it'll be more "messy" than a hindrance and we won't need snowshoes. The 500-mile Colorado Trail is one of the nation's premier long-distance hiking trail and runs from Denver to Durango. Colorado Colorado Frequently Requested Maps Web Maps BLM Colorado Interactive Map - view and interact with BLM Colorado's GIS data such as mining claims, grazing allotments, wilderness boundaries, surface management agency and more without the need for specialized installed software. Since our train from Silverton to Elk Park doesn't leave till 2pm on Saturday, we've decided to stay at Molas Lake Campground our first night on the trail and then continue on into Segment 25. Weather UV Index Tuesday 29 / 8 F Wednesday 26 / 14 F Thursday 20 / 12 F Right off the top, the trail drops fast and furious, hugging the mountainside as it traverses a technical scree field. Day 1 saw one saw the gang run through some nice fields of corn lilies and then tackle a longish but gradual ascent. This is a spiral-bound, softcover book, 8.5" x 11", and weighs just 14.5 ounces. The morning walk flew by and that was that! This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. 5/29/09 Update: Okay, we're all set. Sunshine and rainbows and green rolling mountaintops as far as the eye can see. Not to mention the fact that spending six months on a trail, or even a month or so on the CT, isn't for everyone. Very well done and lots of detail. You achieve moments of joy that are impossible to duplicate at home. Riding fully loaded bikes hugely affects the balance of the bike. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Galloping Goose Trail (CO) and Animas River Trail. Spectacular views - I love this segment! Dramatic peaks punctuate the ridge forming the backdrop for upper Ice Lake, nestled in an alpine wonderland that invites exploration. +1 970-382-5911. But passengers have ample views to keep them occupied. We had planned on 10. Blessed. Site Map; Advertising; Licensing; NEWSLETTER SIGN UP. The elevation of the Colorado Trail ranges from 5,280 feet at the eastern end near Denver to 13,000 feet at Silver Mesa near Durango to the west, passing through three "life zones" along the way. 184Dolores, CO 81323970-882-7296, See the Colorado Trail Segment Chart: Resources by Segment, Portion of Segment 24: Elk Park to Molas Pass, There is a 1,840-foot elevation gain between Elk Park and Molas Pass. The Blackhawk Pass segment climbs steeply up to the top of the pass on narrow, mostly smooth singletrack with the characteristic jaw-dropping views. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Join evoTrip x Outdoor Leadership xCAPiTAon a 7-dayadventure inKrippenstein, Austria, which offers some of the best free-riding in the world. Steve was really rollin and said, Im so glad I have plus tires. The Colorado Trail, South Topographic Map Guide has been designed as the perfect traveling companion when navigating the southern section of The Colorado Trail. And, to some extent, we're using old gear, because it ain't broke, basically. The Route - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train The Route The D&SNGRR travels 45.4 miles each way along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton during our summer season May through October. On June 20th, we'll then have the train ride back to Silverton, where our car will be. Thanks for all of the useful info as well as the stunning photos! I love them for bikepacking!. Also, cool mining ruins. Favorite place to camp and backpack.Picture # 8,10 is where I camped . Cold and wet, Steve still has to stop to check out a giant puffball on the CT near Molas Pass. *blessed*. The campgrounds look incredible, as do the small towns. Indeed, between departing from Highway 550 at Molas Pass and entering the town of Durango, the only sign of human life is the occasional dirt road crossing. That sounds like so much fun. The Colorado Trail near Silverton has popular high elevation routes for mountain biking and hiking. A unique expert only ski and ride area right out of Silverton Colorado. Also, hiking east to west--from Denver to Durango--allows a thru-hiker to begin with smaller elevation gains and build up to the more rugged terrain of the San Juan Mountains. 411.1 - US Hwy 550: Silverton. Lucky you!! ), After the fact: Well, you can't count on the weather. Turned around and went on beautiful Segment 26. the terminal for the Durango-Silverton narrow gauge railroad and several of the finest restaurants and brew pubs anywhere. There are plenty of ways to get from Durango to Silverton if you have activities planned in the nearby town. On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 miles each way to the wye at Cascade Station. Great trip. You dont need a permit for the trail, but you do have to grab a free permit when crossing the wilderness areas. Created in the 1970s and 1980s, the trail consists of a variety of landscapes but is mostly rugged and mountainous alpine terrain. Or stay on the Colorado Trail, and the next junction hits the Rico-Silverton Trail, which will take you down into South Mineral Creek and Silverton. Mostly, I just thought it would be fun that way. And thunder and lightning and hail. I read that the year-round average temperature in Silverton is just 35.6 degrees, and the frost-free growing season can be as short as twelve days! In the fall, whispering aspen groves turn a brilliant gold, providing some of the best leaf peeping in the state. Walking alone on the Colorado Trail can be pure bliss. Nancy Tate Hellams from Pendleton, SC on September 01, 2012: I was looking for a great Trail lens for the quest and I sure found one. There's no good resupply options from Silverton to Durango. From on pass to the next through meadows of flowers, this route offers huge views in all directions, techy climbs, and long descents. Drops, roots, boulders--as the singletrack transitions down into drier climate zones, the technical challenges just keep coming, all the way until the final relatively-smooth stretch before the trail's terminus. It is estimated that 150 people complete the CT each year. Explore the best rated trails in Durango, CO. I visited Boulder and Mount Estes Park, which were easy to get to by car. While not technically the highest-elevation portion of the trail, nevertheless this section stays very high in the San Juan Mountain Range. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. 549.3 Miles 884.0 KM 70% . We stick mostly to day hikes, an occasional camping trip and train rides, which we thoroughly enjoy. Box 856, Silverton, CO 81433 6226 State Hwy 110, Silverton, CO 81433 Phone: (970) 387-5706 [email protected] [email protected] Employment We met one of the trail volunteers later. Hikers are hitching back and forth the 7 miles to Molas Pass all the time. We already have our backpacking gear, so I'm not including that either. What I see as some of the up-sides to section-hiking are: And there are a few things that might be considered drawbacks of section-hiking: As I write this article, we're currently in the process of gathering information and making our plans, so there will be some things I'll have to add. It didn't surprise me at all when I realized it was yours. Some of the steeper ascents required walking the bikes, but they got to 12,400, marking the high point of day one. (How nice!) I just want to let you know that I admire your passion for the outdoors and I appreciate your effort in sharing it with us. So, if we take the 2pm train from Silverton to Elk Park (wilderness access) on Saturday, June 13th, and hike to Molas Lake Campground that afternoon, we'd have six full days remaining to hike the remaining miles to Junction Creek trailhead in Durango. Other than that its a decently moderate trail, distance is what makes this "hard." They rode for three days, making day 2 kind of a grind. Mary Beth Granger from O'Fallon, Missouri, USA on May 02, 2011: This looks like a great trail for both hiking and mountain bike riding. The pretty view from Gudys Rest was a bit restricted due to rain. Steep climbs but well worth it. Thanks for the read! You might choose to hike during peak wildflower season or when you know there will be fewer hikers if solitude is your preference. As we get closer to the time of our hike, we'll check on snow conditions at the higher elevations. For our next CT section-hike, from our starting point this time, we'd just take the train back to Elk Park and head the other way--eastward. Plan accordingly and pack all the gear youll need. Durango Tourism Durango Hotels Durango Bed and Breakfast Durango Holiday Rentals Durango Packages Flights to Durango Durango Restaurants Durango Attractions Durango Travel Forum Durango Pictures Durango Map Durango Guide . It was an unusually wet and cold June on the Colorado Trail in 2009. Access: For the best parking, head south on U.S. 550 about 5.5 miles past Silverton to a dirt road marked Molas Trail . Section-hiking can allow you to do fewer miles per day, because you aren't necessarily trying to fit your trip into a seasonal window as you might have to if thru-hiking. This stretch of the trail also had the most people, unsurprisingly, but its manageable. Their website states they have 25 rooms and offer pet-friendly and non-smoking rooms. I'm planning a Molas Lake to Coal Bank Pass hike (CT segment 25 to Engineer Mountain Trail then down to Hwy 550) this summer. The majority of "thru-hikers," who complete the Colorado Trail in one continuous journey, travel from east to west. The Junction Creek Trailhead is about three miles from downtown Durango. 45 Hermosa View Dr, Durango, CO 81301 is a lot/land. That would seem to be the simplest solution, although it would also mean taking two cars to Colorado, which equals more gas of course. For Sale. We'll be staying at the: Dollar Inn2391 Main AvenueDurango, CO 81301800-727-3746970-247-0593Website: DollarInn.comEmail: [email protected]. The inaugural segment of the famous Silverton to Durango stretch of the Colorado Trail. After the fact: We did stop in at the Silverton Forest Service Office, but the man there didn't know anything about hiking from the CT into downtown Durango. Confluence At Three Springs is located at 150 Confluence Ave, Durango, CO. Confluence At Three Springs offers 1-2 bed, 1-2 bath units. Click photo to see hundreds more on Flickr. For this trip, our #1 criteria will be: hot shower! We have had a very wet spring you are right. This guide gives you trail information at a glance. For more information and reservations, visit DurangoTrain.com or call: After the fact: This was fun! The debriefing style is a nice touch. I confirmed that information on ColoradoTrail.org and learned that we'd have a total elevation gain of 8,629 feet in that section if we started in Durango. Location and contact. For some challenging . 379 reviews. The mountains slowly get taller and the aspens get nearer as the road gets windier. We will be hiking segments 25 through 28, which total 73.9 miles. It took me over an hour to do one lenses this morning. Hiked from beautiful Kennebec Pass (July 4, 2022) at end of 4WD Road #124 and passed scenic Taylor Lake. Durango to Silverton As you head north for Durango it get exponentially more beautiful. Sat: Sun: Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: Multiple: Hide Map. That must have taken a long time to build. Hiked Colorado Trail Segment 28 on July 1, 2022. I ended up stashing a black garbage bag in bushes adjacent to the nearest grocery store. 5/29 Update: I spoke to the Forest Service today. I suggest that you look at staying in Buena Vista or Salida at lower elevations. Section 3, also known as Segment 27 of the Colorado Trail, runs for 20.6 miles from Hotel Draw Road to the Kennebec Trailhead, climbing a whopping 4,186 feet along the way. Actually, Silverton has no grocery store. I found out that the trail does not go right into Silverton, and the nearest CT trailhead is about 7 miles away on the Million Dollar Highway, which is narrow and not safe for walking along the side of the road. When we get off the train, we'll have an elevation gain of more than 1,800 feet, right off the bat. Filters. Created in the 1970s and 1980s, the trail consists of a variety of landscapes but is mostly rugged and mountainous alpine terrain. Not a cloud on the sky. The time needed to thru-hike can range from less than 10 days for supported trail runners to about 40 days, the latter being much more the norm. Through hikers intending to stop at Molas Lake should be aware that they will hike 2.5 miles from there to the "start" of CT-25. Overall, this is a pretty inexpensive way to spend a vacation. In descending to about 8600, Steve noted the elevation change. Looks like heaven on earth to me! Official Website of the City of Durango Durango news, city calendar, "Discover Durango" with maps, public art, things to do, and more; Trip Advisor's Durango section With 21 hotels, 16 B&Bs, and 81 restaurantsreviews and information Durango, Colorado, Travel Information. Getting out of Silverton was another blunder. Descend on a side trail south along the headwaters of West Willow Creek until you meet up with Forest Service Road 503, which leads into town. FYI: The GPS waypoints listed in the Databook are in Lat/Long decimal degrees, NAD27 Conus datum. Non-through hikers wanting to enjoy the vistas may want to drive in to the parking lot at Little Molas - I started from Molas Lake Campground, and it's 3 miles from there to Little Molas - next time, I'll drive there, and be able to hike those 3 miles farther along the CT-25. Cody rode a single-speed bike, so you might presume that he knows his way around a mountain bike. We are mentally prepared for three miles of downhill to lose 2000 feet of elevation.. Once the trail enter the trees the technical, rocky nature--now mixed with roots--continues, demanding complete attention. Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K. Longest day was around 16. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. SquidAngel blessed. The route wi. This section provided the best riding, with many short climbs and fast twisty descents. Hiked with my daughter and son-in-law Segments 25-28 (Durango terminus) mid July. Breathtakingly beautiful. CO Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K Jul 8, 2023 Clear your browsing data in order to view the new map. This costs money, of course. Starting at the Little Molas Lake Trailhead, this segment of the Colorado Trail can be anything from a 2-mile out-and-back to a 22-mile trek. Write a review to inform other visitors! BEAUTIFUL (of course). See: A Colorado Trail Section HikeSilverton to Durango. This will take you to Coal Bank Pass or Cascade Creek. The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury. Thank you for sharing this lense. We're planning to leave our house on Friday, June 12th after Steve gets off work and drive all the way to Molas Lake Campground, which is just off Highway 550 about seven miles before the town of Silverton. Daily snacks, such as trail mix, pretzels, dried fruit, jerky, candy bars (bite-sized), peanut butter crackers and trail bars. This can mean more time to enjoy scenic views, the "small things," and nice campsites. One great feature of the Colorado Trail is the relative abundance of water. The campground is happy to have hikers stop by for a wash and dry. There is an overall map that covers segment 24 to 28, in addition to individual maps of each of these 4 segment listed below. "Be sure to plan a day excursion on the Durango & Silverton line," recommends O'Neal Smith. For Steve, an Osprey Helix that he's had since he was a teenager, For me, a Kelty Tornado, about 8 years old, For Steve, a synthetic Kelty 0-degree bag (about 12 yrs. Road access to the trail is remote and 4WD, but many long loops are possible. At the time of year we'll be hiking, the hostel runs $22 to $28 per person per night, including tax. Plenty of hike-a-bike, so they earned their rest that day! Check this out: Today, May 20, 2009, at 10:30am, I looked at the weather for both Silverton and Durango. Im a New England hiker, and after acclimatizing to the altitude, found the Colorado Trail much gentler than NH trails- more dirt, fewer rocks and very few roots. One thing Durango has that Flagstaff doesn't, though, is a beautiful river running right through it. Being at the higher elevations at the eastern end of the trail, and hiking in mid-June, we know we may encounter snow, on the ground at least. Where is the trailhead at the end of our hike? The problem was the people in the room next to us. View the Colorado Map of Ski Resorts for an integrated list of all ski and snowboard resorts. Excellent info; thank you! Hiking is not for me. The Colorado Trail is divided into 28 segments with an access point at the beginning and end of each. The ride up was a lil tough but the ride down was awesome. I live in Denver and we are always looking for a good spot to go hiking. Some officially designated wilderness sections are closed to mountain bikes, but there are detours for bikers around those areas. Month January; February; . Elsie Hagley from New Zealand on August 31, 2012: Nice lens, if I was 30 years younger I would go for this. I felt like this was the season I needed to take on the Colorado Trail. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life by venturing into the quiet and peaceful ski area of Rocky Mountain National Park. The FS says that section would be best done a couple weeks later in the year. The vista looked great from Molas. While that might not sound like a lot compared to Colorados numerous 14ers, this mountain is still impressive! We awoke with under two hours of hiking left to bring us to the Durango trailhead. I rode this section as part of a longer ride from Lizard Head Pass to Durango. For Rent. We hiked the 3 miles from Junction Creek into town. So definitely go prepared for anything, no matter what the time of year, especially given the high elevations along the trail, often over 11,000 feet for long stretches with no easy "out.". Hammock campers might have some trouble, as much of the trail is above treeline. James had a minor OTB but he picked himself up and rode on without much trouble. The summit of Engineer Mountain towers over this entire region, rising to an elevation of 13,218 feet. Great Lens.. Thanks for sharing a great lens. (LogOut/ Brilliant. BLM Colorado Seasonal Closure Map Once we do the hike, I'll come back and add information (in bold), including anything that maybe didn't go as planned. Beautiful hike, great scenery. At 6,523 feet above sea level, it's just a few hundred feet lower than our home town of Flagstaff, and the downtown area is just about as nice as we think ours is. I love your lens. In the 20min I had available before boarding? The 4 stars is because it is more of a biking trail than hiking. We also want to avoid most of the snow, which narrows it down to either June or September. Turn left onto Cement St, then make your next left, and the RV park will be straight ahead. Gudy Gaskill is known as the "Mother of the Colorado Trail.". This item: Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, Lake City Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map, 141) by National Geographic Maps Map $14.95 Durango, Cortez Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map, 144) by National Geographic Maps Map $14.95 Weminuche Wilderness Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map, 140) Cynthia Sylvestermouse from United States on July 28, 2011: I love Colorado and I love taking mini hikes, but something tells me this would be beyond my current abilities. The Spanish Trails Inn was well, it was a room. . Answer 1 of 7: We (a late-middle aged couple) are planning to visit this part of Colorado in early June next year. Underwear (I don't know about Steve, but I take 3 pr. From online reviews I've read, I expect the rooms will be basic but clean. Not mind blowing but still great scenery. The trailhead is slightly beyond the Little Molas Lake campground. For certain a favorite segment on the Colorado Trail! The average elevation is over 10,000 feet and the highest elevation is over 13,000 feet. We took our time as we were not on a constricted time frame. Take a right onto Co Rd 2, then turn right onto E 19th St. The metadata also shows the period of record and variables for which a station has reported. Sunny every day,great hiking.1999,june. Colorados epic Colorado Trail runs 485 miles between Waterton Canyon in southwest Denver and Durango. Lot 5043 Siksika Trail, . Loved your write up - as a Colorado native I was impressed of your review of one of my favorite places. My last restaurant meal before hitting the trail.I wandered the town while my togs were drying. On the trail, things can be quite a bit different (and colder). If youre in reasonably good condition, you can do this. We want to end our hike in Durango on Friday, June 19th, so we can take the train back to Silverton on Saturday morning, the 20th. Record snowfall last winter, so lots of snow remaining at the passes. Its kind of lika a hernia surgery, Steve quipped. Our online interactive maps focus on the last 4 segments of the Colorado trail from Stony Pass East of Silverton, Colorado to its end at the Junction Creek trailhead just outside of Durango, Colorado. (Apparently, the next section to the east, from Silverton towards Denver, still has a significant amount of snow, being even higher elevation. The trail is a 2.35 mile (one-way) from the trailhead to the ascent of Rolling Pass. Thats a good reminder to check your first-aid kit; is it ready? Five Stars and a Fav. Colorado Trail - Littleton-Durango The Colorado Trail is Colorado's foremost trail that is widely recognized by outdoor enthusiasts due to its high elevations, beautiful sceneries, and spectacular recreational offerings. Slept well in my tent. accessing station data We do plan to spend the night in Durango before taking the train back to Silverton, but we don't want to spend big bucks on a hotel, so we're looking at some inexpensive options. Yes, he did. The Colorado Trail is incredible and a lovely length for a thru hike. Instead, we've decided to carpool and spend the extra money on the scenic train ride. Compare that with the estimated Forest Service cost of $25,000 per mile! There's a parking area on the left, near the trailhead. Also, any additional. Unbelievable scenery and good weather added to a great experience. Thanks for the info! People wave goodbye as the train leaves us off at Elk Park to begin our hike, just as the rain and thunder begins. A comprehensive breakdown of everything about the Continental Divide Trail from 2022 - from CDT resupply and gear to alternates and advice. Map & Directions Map Coordinates: 37.770467, -107.805276 Trailwork help build our trails! Update of 5/2709: Okay, I found a hotel for us, and it's a 1/2-mile from the train station, which will make getting there in the morning very easy. The Colorado Trail (COT) is widely regarded as one of the very best long-distance mountain bike trails in the world.
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