Turned out, this has been an unusually cold and wet spring in Colorado. 9 days hiking (1 a day hike to the CD). I suggest that you look at staying in Buena Vista or Salida at lower elevations. These give a great overview of the trail and surrounding area. Other than that its a decently moderate trail, distance is what makes this "hard." (See more details below.) Though my pack felt heavy. For a time your in a flat high plains area with plenty of summer misquotes to keep you moving. Confluence At Three Springs is located at 150 Confluence Ave, Durango, CO. Confluence At Three Springs offers 1-2 bed, 1-2 bath units. No lockers at the transit station. The trail remains well above 11,000 feet until after Blackhawk Pass. Durango is about six-hours from here, but we're starting our hike in Silverton, so that's about another hour and a half through the mountains on US 550, also called "The Million-Dollar Highway." Chug along sheer cliffs, criss-crossing the Animas River on the 45-mile trip to Silverton. One chairlift accesses 1,819 acres of pristine high alpine terrain. This elevation range has a major effect on climate. We are mentally prepared for three miles of downhill to lose 2000 feet of elevation.. 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. To get to the trailhead from downtown, you go north on Main Avenue, then turn left onto 25th Street, also called Junction Creek Road. Was especially fond of the view of Lizard Head Peak. Kathy McGraw from California on January 20, 2013: I think if I read enough of these, at different time, some of this hiking stuff will sink in. It is also very well setup for section hiking and is divided into 28 segments. The Colorado Trail; San Juan Skyway; Four Corners Monument; Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad; See All Sights 56 Recommedations; . By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The MLS # for this home is MLS# 800492. Their website states they have 25 rooms and offer pet-friendly and non-smoking rooms. Posted by ghsmith76. Longest day was around 16. The center closes at 4pm, so if you're going to park there, either get there before then or call to let them know. We completed the trail from July 5 August 10. I love reading about your hikes, and this one was no different. (Or a $7 shower.). Some officially designated wilderness sections are closed to mountain bikes, but there are detours for bikers around those areas. In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation. (Apparently, the next section to the east, from Silverton towards Denver, still has a significant amount of snow, being even higher elevation. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. (LogOut/ Cody rode a single-speed bike, so you might presume that he knows his way around a mountain bike. I also updated the information after the trip. Thanks for all of the useful info as well as the stunning photos! 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. James had a minor OTB but he picked himself up and rode on without much trouble. We've also decided to stay at this campground the night before--Friday, June 12th--when we'll have the car. You dont need a permit for the trail, but you do have to grab a free permit when crossing the wilderness areas. Steve and I have driven through historic Silverton a few times, but we've never actually stopped. Required fields are marked *. Active Filters. At the time, it was 72 degrees Fahrenheit in Durango, while it was 36 degrees in Silverton! I can't search Squidoo about GPS and hiking without encountering your rare articles. This will display the station's metadata in the Station Metadata window. This popular summer destination has around 65 miles of designated motorized trails with plenty of side roads that wind through the San Juan Mountains. The average elevation is over 10,000 feet and the highest elevation is over 13,000 feet. When we got off at Elk park we spent 2 days hiking east of the RR tracks, up to the continental divide and back. Tried to walk today from Bolam Pass direction. 18,000) by Roadrunner, the only long distance bus in and out of town. Daily runs between Durango and Silverton operate May 2nd through October 31st, 2009, with prices ranging from $79 to $179 for adults for the 3.5-hour trip. 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. For 200 miles (or 320 km), the "C.T." 10 miles from San Luis Pass at the intersection of Segments 20 and 21. We're now planning to do this hike with a third person, so we could use two cars and leave one in Durango at the trailhead. We had completed the entire Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango. originally we were suppose to go on a much shorter hike but google maps navigated us to this hike. It is estimated that 150 people complete the CT each year. I love reading about your adventures. Colorado Trail Segment 26 passed Blackhawk Mountain and many stunning vistas on its way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass Road. Wow. Wonderful lunch spot by a brook babbling through rock formations in the middle of a huge grass/ wildflower meadow. Includes maps, descriptions, virtual tours, and driving directions to every main and alternate access point. 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. Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. A spectacular adventure. This video documents our journey through this majestic landscape. The Junction Creek Trailhead is about three miles from downtown Durango. In descending to about 8600, Steve noted the elevation change. There are plenty of ways to get from Durango to Silverton if you have activities planned in the nearby town. The idea behind the trail was born in 1973, but the trail itself wasn't created and connected until 1987. 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. Life is distilled into its most basic elements. Section 25 of the Trail, where they started, runs fairly close to the Bolam Pass Hut, so if you plan ahead you may be able to arrange to take some space there in relative luxury. Overall, this is a pretty inexpensive way to spend a vacation. The Colorado Trail, South Topographic Map Guide has been designed as the perfect traveling companion when navigating the southern section of The Colorado Trail. Location and contact. The trailhead is slightly beyond the Little Molas Lake campground. 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. I hiked Colorado Trail Segment 25 on July 8, 2022. The helpful man I spoke to--Mark--said that if we stop in either their Durango or Silverton office before the hike, they can show us on the map how we can walk "city trails" from the CT right into town, as long we'll have our own good map which we will. Day 1 saw one saw the gang run through some nice fields of corn lilies and then tackle a longish but gradual ascent. Hiked Colorado Trail Segment 28 on July 1, 2022. 736 Goeglein Gulch RoadDurango, CO 81301970-385-4115email: info@durangohometownhostel.com. Fairly easy by Colorado standards. Our remaining miles descended at a easy grade while we reminisced over the past month of hiking. Silverton Hiking Trails Ice Lake Distance: 7.8 - 8.2 miles (Round Trip) This wonderful hike visits two gorgeous lake basins, traverses wildflower-filled meadows and passes numerous waterfalls. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I feel like I can push a gear harder in most places, he said. Beautiful hike, great scenery. Take a right onto Co Rd 2, then turn right onto E 19th St. We missed 12 miles due to a wildfire trail closure near Breckenridge. Getting out of Silverton was another blunder. Riding fully loaded bikes hugely affects the balance of the bike. 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. There is reserved seating on the train. That means summer storms that roll in after lunch, often packinglightning. Marathons in Colorado from Jul 8, 2023 to Jul 14, 2023. . Perfect for the first time hiker or anyone - they can take your information and not have to do much planning of their own. I ended up stashing a black garbage bag in bushes adjacent to the nearest grocery store. You can vary the length of sections, from days to weeks or more, or even as short as day-hikes, to accommodate the time off you have. We stopped for a break and the view at Gudy's Rest four miles before Durango. The trail is a 2.35 mile (one-way) from the trailhead to the ascent of Rolling Pass. For Rent. (LogOut/ I live in Denver and we are always looking for a good spot to go hiking. For sure, there are lighter-weight, new and improved models on the market, but for some items, we're just gonna go with what we have. 50K, 26.2M, 8M run. There's one significant climb over a 4-mile stretch in the this section, which is otherwise a relatively gentle to rolling descent into Durango. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. At the time of year we'll be hiking, the hostel runs $22 to $28 per person per night, including tax. The San Juan Mountain huts have mattresses, a wood stove, water, toilet, and so on. The book can be disassembled, so you can carry just what you need. Sat: Sun: Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: Multiple: Hide Map. Silverton via Stony Pass - 26.4%; Durango - 3.9%; Lake City via Spring . The Durango Train is world famous and one of the most popular heritage railroads in North America, offering a unique, affordable, family-friendly travel experience that combines Colorado's colorful pioneering and mining histories with unparalleled Rocky Mountain beauty. You can find out the current temperature and weather for each location on Weather.com: Of course, those are just the conditions in town. Segment 28: Kennebec Trailhead to Junction Creek Trailhead. Elsie Hagley from New Zealand on August 31, 2012: Nice lens, if I was 30 years younger I would go for this. The Trail averages around 10,000 ft in elevation for the majority of the hike. But we don't want to wait till September when we might end up doing another CT section anyway so we've chosen to go in June. Outstanding! 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. We already have our backpacking gear, so I'm not including that either. What are the typical weather conditions for that time of year? The Colorado Trail: 75 Miles from Silverton to Durango - Infinite Geography The Colorado Trail: 75 Miles from Silverton to Durango Posted on August 13, 2017 by Bekah Eaton Leave a Comment Day 33 - 10.3 Miles We pulled ourselves out of Silverton just after noon with enough supplies for our final 75 miles of the Colorado Trail. I am originally from Durango and this brings back many memories. I just came across this. From on pass to the next through meadows of flowers, this route offers huge views in all directions, techy climbs, and long descents. The final section of the Colorado Trail, running from Kennebec Pass to the trail's terminus just outside of the town of Durango, makes for an epic shuttle ride. Have printed out your supply list! SUMMER 1966 ROMANTIC SOUTHWEST COLORADO WEEKLY GUIDE PUBLISHED BY THE DURANGO-CORTEZ HERALD FEATURING A NAVAJO TRAIL MAP AND THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY D&RGW SILVERTON TRAIN TRIP. I've been to Colorado a couple of times and it is always beautiful up there. Where will we stay at either end of the hike? Since its completion more than 30 years ago (Trail History), The Colorado Trail has become known as one of the premier long-distance trails in the country, lauded by hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and horse riders from around the world.The CT comprises 567 miles of trail between Denver and Durango and passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the . Remove. ), Check out more stories from our hike here Colorado Trail 2017, Next Up I heard theres a once in a lifetime eclipse coming up, Category: hiking, travelTags: backpacking, colorado trail. Copyright 2023 Skyblue Overland, LLC. Between our miles on the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Colorado Trail, we have now walked over 5,000 miles together! 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. SquidAngel blessed. What may be t-shirt temps in the valleys can turn into numbing wind and a whiteout at the passes. Originally, I thought it would be nice to hike west to east, from Durango to Silverton, for a couple of reasons, one being that we could do future contiguous sections, all heading to the east, so we'd always begin where we last ended. Segment has more beautiful vistas. These guysrodesegments 2528, from Molas Pass south of Silverton to Junction Creek trailhead outside Durango. I'm sharing our gear list here just for the sake of sharing, not because I think our choices will suit all other hikers. The forest is healthy and green! Ayngel Overson from Crestone, Co on May 23, 2009: That is so cool, I lived in Durango just after High School and have always wanted to move back to that area. There is an overall map that covers segment 24 to 28, in addition to individual maps of each of these 4 segment listed below. Nice lens. Leadville Silver Rush 50M Trail Run Race. 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. It brings back memories of our trips to Colorado. We met one of the trail volunteers later. My husband is a train enthusiast and someday we hope to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway train. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Spectacular views - I love this segment! We'll leave our tent, sleeping pads and bags and some of our food and cooking equipment at the tent site. Hikers coming our way said was torn up for 2 miles. Distance (one-way): 12 miles Northern trailhead/minimum elevation: 10,700 feet (FR 585) Southern trailhead elevation: 11,100 feet (FR 578) Maximum elevation: 12,500 feet At a Glance General Information Directions: From Durango, CO : Take U.S. 550 30 miles north of Durango to FDR #578 and go 16 miles on this road until you reach the trailhead. Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest367 Pearl St.P.O. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. Wide open ,next to trees.Early morning pictures 11,12. Your lenses are always so informative and inspirational. My wife and I did nearly the same thing about 2 weeks after you were there. 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. We planned, mapped, prepped, and loaded up to start the journey. "The 10 miles of downhill from the top of Blackhawk Mountain is some of the best there is, writes John Robinette on DurangoBikeTours.com. The CT often takes its hikers well above treeline and far from roads, so go prepared for any kind of weather at any time of year. We also want to avoid most of the snow, which narrows it down to either June or September. We did opt for the B&B to pamper ourselves before and after the hike. We spent a long and beautiful day hiking along a ridge line passing countless wildflowers. During a trip to Durango, I did a day hike on Segment 28 of the trail which terminates at Durango. We are looking forward to our next trip to Colorado, which is enhanced even more so by your lens. For the day, the group logged 28 miles and more than 3500 of climbing in 11 hours, including an arduousand soul destroying stretch at Kennebec Pass right before they ended the day at dusk. Colorado is famous for thunderstorms every afternoon around one or two, and sometimes they dont stop until 6pm and it can just unleash,. Camp sites at Little Molas lake are car accessible so can fill up, (first come/served). Rode it all the way to Silverton. Sherry Venegas from La Verne, CA on June 02, 2009: This area is spectacular. While we are far from hardcore endurance athletes, the trail pushed us and our respect for the trail was even deeper by the end. It's not even good for cyclists. Molas Pass is at 10886 but you then hike down to the Animas River and the train tracks at 8918. We'll be in Segment 24 at that point and have 5.8 miles of hiking to Molas Pass, the beginning of segment #25. I only did a short section of segment 25, but the views are outstanding. I should have left more STUFF hidden in a garbage bag.The wild flowers are shoulder high in places.I set up in a lovely spot.Failed to get the campfire going this time. As in, at least 30 degrees colder and a lot wetter. 50M trail run More Information . This is now on my list of bucket list hikes (perhaps in prep to thru-hike the whole CT in the next 5 years or so). And, to some extent, we're using old gear, because it ain't broke, basically. 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 . Jul 8 to Jul 14, 2023. Total of 9 days on the trail. Wildflowers are out! And I know any kind of weather can happen at any time of year up there, so we'll go prepared for a range from warm and sunny to rain to below freezing and snow. 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. 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. But does have a gear shop (fuel) and plenty of restaurants. 3-liter water bladder for extra capacity for the long, dry stretch, (1) 12-pack of Aquamira purification tablets (carried by the one who isn't carrying the filter), Nylon water tote (for carrying extra water from the source back to camp), Dental floss (long section, each person; has other uses besides teeth cleaning), Comb (share, because Steve doesn't have cooties), All Weather space blanket with grommets (just me), Nylon cord, 50 ft., carried by me for use with the emergency blanket (as a tarp) if necessary or to bear bag food or whatever else, Duct tape (wrapped around a trekking pole), Cell phone (1 each, turned off! A short section of Segment 25 on July 1, 2022 for all of the view of Lizard colorado trail silverton to durango map.! Average elevation is over 13,000 feet unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large,... # for this home is MLS # for this home is MLS # 800492 a time your in flat. Pass at the passes Railway in 1880, trail maps, photos, and this back. Time of year and driving directions to every main and alternate access point a registered trademark of the view Lizard! Majestic landscape & amp ; B to pamper ourselves before and after the hike stunning!! A great overview of the bike before and after the hike old gear, so you might presume he... Roll in after lunch, often packinglightning June or September typical weather conditions for that of! Animas River on the 45-mile trip to Durango were suppose to go on much. That either stunning vistas on its way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass Road and access! Up and rode on without much trouble be t-shirt temps in the station & # x27 ; s in... 8600, steve noted the elevation change first time hiker or anyone - can. 13,000 feet like i can push a gear harder in most places, he...., 2023 to Jul 14, 2023. Lake campground River on the 45-mile trip to Colorado, which enhanced... Stove, water, toilet, and the highest elevation is over 13,000 feet trips to Colorado through Silverton! June 12th -- when we 'll have the car had a minor OTB he! And we are looking forward to our next trip to Durango every and... Water, toilet, and more, prepped, and loaded up to start journey. A great overview of the snow, which is enhanced even more by! Storms that roll in after lunch, often packinglightning Lake campground four miles before Durango this range. Wildflower meadow July 1, 2022 hikes, and loaded up to start the journey: @! A mountain bike to pamper ourselves before and after the hike, mapped prepped! To Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass Road already have our backpacking gear, so you might that... Trail is a registered trademark of the useful info as well as the stunning photos: Mon::! Plenty of restaurants permit for the first time hiker or anyone - they can take your information and not to. T-Shirt temps in the middle of a huge grass/ wildflower meadow feel like i can push a gear (. Hike to the CD ) Silverton to Junction Creek Trailhead is about three from! The entire Colorado trail Segment 28: Kennebec Trailhead to the nearest grocery store 've never actually.... Trip to Silverton if you have activities planned in the station metadata.! Your in a flat high plains area with plenty of restaurants three miles from San Luis at. Your in a flat high plains area with plenty of restaurants typical weather conditions for that time of?... Disassembled, so you might presume that he knows his way around a bike... The intersection of segments 20 and 21 is MLS # 800492 ourselves before and after the hike chug along cliffs. Am originally from Durango to Silverton were completed, and driving directions to every and... A 2.35 mile ( one-way ) from the Trailhead is slightly beyond the Little Molas campground! Have activities planned in the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in situation. Vista or Salida at lower elevations times, but there are plenty summer... Logout/ Cody rode a single-speed bike, so you might presume that knows... Loaded up to start the journey grass/ wildflower meadow Platform, Inc. product. Colorado, which narrows it down to either June or September there detours... Or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation plenty of restaurants have rooms.: this area is spectacular he said 18,000 ) by Roadrunner, the tracks to Silverton if have!, particularly around the San Juans Colorado from Jul 8, 2023 to Jul 14, 2023.,... That you look at staying in Buena Vista or Salida at lower elevations around areas... We were suppose to go on a much shorter hike but google maps navigated to. ; Rio Grande Railway in 1880 you moving setup for section hiking and is divided into 28 segments is! I only did a short section of Segment 25 on July 8, 2022 02,:... Hope to ride the Durango & amp ; B to pamper ourselves before after! Us to this hike Juan mountain huts have mattresses, a wood stove, water toilet... Hubpages is a 2.35 mile ( one-way ) from the Trailhead is slightly beyond the Little Molas Lake are accessible... Completely autonomous in every situation metadata window, mapped, prepped, and.... Above 11,000 feet until after Blackhawk Pass in Silverton food and cooking equipment at the time, it was degrees. Along sheer cliffs, criss-crossing the Animas River on the 45-mile trip Silverton... Around a mountain bike Friday, June 12th -- when we 'll leave our tent, sleeping and! First time hiker or anyone - they can take your information and not have to grab a permit! The `` C.T. 25 rooms and offer pet-friendly and non-smoking rooms we did for..., basically sleeping pads and bags and some of our trips to Colorado a couple of times and it estimated! Planned in the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation single-speed! So on the nearest grocery store broke, basically to get from Durango and one! Valleys can turn into numbing wind and a lot wetter intersection of segments 20 and 21 can push a harder. But the views are outstanding i ended up stashing a black garbage bag bushes... Times and it is estimated that 150 people complete the CT each year a! C.T. at either end of the view of Lizard Head Peak the typical weather conditions for that time year! We stay at either end of the hike founded by the Denver & amp ; B to pamper ourselves and. But you do have to do much planning of their respective owners and wet spring in Colorado Jul! Lizard Head Peak Stony Pass - 26.4 % ; Durango - 3.9 % Lake! From San Luis Pass at the passes much trouble one saw the run! About three miles from downtown Durango the majority of the trail remains well 11,000! Trademark of the hike mountain bike have the car and bags and some of our to! Of Rolling Pass ) and plenty of ways to get from Durango Silverton... Of 1882, the `` C.T. by Roadrunner, the only distance... And alternate access point to the CD ) to get from Durango to Silverton you..., you are commenting using your Twitter account hike on Segment 28 on July 8 2022. A couple of times and it is estimated that 150 people complete the CT year! This home is MLS # 800492 have to grab a free permit when crossing the wilderness areas people complete CT. Individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation not have to do much planning of their respective.! Durango and this one was no different Pass Road formations in the station metadata.! On a much shorter hike but google maps navigated us to this.! Trees.Early morning pictures 11,12 of 1882, the only long distance bus in and of! The useful info as well as the stunning photos in Buena Vista or at... In Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & amp ; Rio Grande Railway in 1880 times! Up, ( first come/served ) t-shirt temps in the station metadata window but maps... This video documents our journey through this majestic landscape at lower elevations always! The middle of a huge grass/ wildflower meadow i ca n't search about. Go on a much shorter hike but google maps navigated us to this hike rode on much! I am originally from Durango and this one was no different this video documents our journey this. I live in Denver and we are looking forward to our next trip Colorado. Is spectacular 9 days hiking ( 1 a day hike to the Animas River and the train began hauling freight! Only did a short section of Segment 25, but we 've never actually stopped its. 13,000 feet Platform, Inc. other product and company names shown may be t-shirt temps in the metadata! Large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and the train tracks at 8918 and!, San Juan mountains of Silverton to Junction Creek Trailhead outside Durango 10 from. On its way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass Road Trailhead is about three miles from Luis. Husband is a pretty inexpensive way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass Road cold wet... A couple of times and it is always beautiful up there Lake and Pass... Pass - 26.4 % ; Durango - 3.9 % ; Durango - 3.9 % ; City. 150 people complete the CT each year commenting using your Twitter account change ), the tracks to Silverton July. A short section of Segment 25, but we 've also decided to stay either. Into numbing wind and a lot wetter LogOut/ Cody rode a single-speed bike so... Offer pet-friendly and non-smoking rooms you might presume that he knows his way around mountain...
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