Not as popular as Needleton for hikers, Elk Park is where the railroad crosses the Colorado Trail .
But does have a gear shop (fuel) and plenty of restaurants. WebView Trail Map. Ideal for advanced-level riders. As he recounted his story, I gained a healthy dose of respect and reverence for this trail. Expect to see a lot more hikers in this area and dont forget to stop at Leadville, a booming mining town in the 1800s that is now known for its hiking and running trails. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Some segments are more complex than others, with sections passing well over 10,000 feet in elevation as they pass through mountains and rugged environments nearly untouched by humans. The trail can be access from either Molas Trail #665 or the Durango Silverton The ticket office for the Silverton train opened at 7am. The customer service is amazing, the entire set up process is super easy, and even if you have no off roading experience their GPS and spot tracker beacons will make you feel totally safe out in the wilderness. If youre considering a trip at this time, definitely be prepared for un-ideal road conditions. Colorados Million Dollar Highway is often considered one of the greatest drives in the world and a ride everyone should experience before they die. The Colorado Trail is not nearly as crowded as it's popular East Coast counterpart. Green dots represent individual trails; red dots represent main trail system trailheads and will link to information on that trail system. WebSouth Fork Mineral Creek Falls Silverton / San Juan National Forest, Colorado, USA North America >> USA >> Colorado >> San Juan County, San Juan National Forest, Silverton About South Fork Mineral Creek Falls Rating: 2 Difficulty: 2 1 hour Date first visited: 2020-07-24 Date last visited: 2020-07-24 Waterfall Latitude: 37.805 337' Up I had planned on taking the 9:30am train. Very mentally and physically demanding. Hike back. Access to hiking and fishing. The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile long-distance trail that spans the distance between Denver and Durango. (Tried to skimp on kindling.). (LogOut/ WebSilverton Trail Systems. I was using McDonalds WiFi by 6am next morning. Pack some sturdy rain gear and a map so you can find an exit route if you need to get below treeline quickly. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. There will not always be a signal on the trail but use the resupply points as an opportunity to let someone know about your condition. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Fees Is there a fee to walk the CT? First things first, right as you leave Silverton, a brief 5 minute drive will bring you to the junction for South Mineral campground, which lies down a 5 mile dirt road. Welcome to the Switzerland of America.Okay, Im going to be honest, I love Ouray, I really do, but its no Switzerland, nottttt even close. Water and electricity. On top of skiing, you may enjoy sledding, tubing and ice-skating at Kendall Mountain.

Since its completion almost 40 years ago, the Colorado Trail has guided thousands of adventurous hikers, bikers, and horseback riders as they explore some of the more wild parts of the state. Most people hike from east to west because the snowpack melts first on the lower elevations on the easternmost part of the trail, meaning you can start slightly earlier in the season if you go this direction. c) Sun and UV Rays:Remember you will be hiking at altitude, so UV radiation and sun exposure can be intensified. Full hookups. You'll climb over Coal Bank Pass, which has a summit of 10,660 feet, and Molas Pass. Show Reservable. Snow fed lakes and streams provide ample water. Known for higher elevation and significantly more epic and above-treeline scenic views. Throughout the duration of the voting period, fans may cast a single vote each day leading up to its conclusion. For recorded phone information call: 303-639-1111 or instate toll free 877-315-7623. Fortunately, on the downhill, you wont be on the exposed side of the highway, its only on the way up that nervous drivers will feel a bit white knuckled. After crossing Highway 9 north of Breck, the 12 miles leading to Copper Mountain are brutal and take 2nd place in the bumpiest and rockiest category of the entire trail. Here youre closer to the start of Engineer Pass and Imogene Pass, which are two of the gnarliest 4X4 routes in the San Juans. The mountain bike version detours Wilderness Areas, where mechanized travel is off-limits, and can be done any number of ways: from weekend warrior-ing it a couple segments at a time, to a supported through-ride with a sag vehicle, to bikepacking it unsupported in a single push. 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. As I mentioned before, the Million Dollar Highway is definitely short enough that the entire drive could in be experienced in one day however, theres so much more to the San Juans than just the road. Pretty forested campground conveniently located at the trailhead to the Colorado Trail and the Log chutes trail network, great for hiking and mountain biking. 7 miles form Silverton. South Mineral campground is a beautiful national forest campground to stay at and more importantly, its the trailhead to one of Colorado best day hikes, Ice Lakes. Some popular towns where thru-hikers usually resupply: The Colorado Trail is well marked and relatively easy to follow. While not technically the highest-elevation portion of the trail, nevertheless this section stays very high in the San Juan Mountain Range. In the 20min I had available before boarding? And we wouldnt exist without your support! By off roading, people have the ability to go see incredible views that most travelers wouldnt get to see unless theyre experienced hikers. The inaugural segment of the famous Silverton to Durango stretch of the Colorado Trail. Whether it's for a day or a month, the Colorado Trail is an excellent option for those interested in hiking and seeing some of the best locations the state has to offer. Sleeps up to 6.

The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Big rig sites but a dirt road to get there. It can be a little stressful for new rv, fifth wheel or trailer drivers. Silverton is a popular day trip destination for visitors to Durango. The unexpected can happen, and listening to others can help you be prepared. Horses and pack animals are welcome and relatively common on the trail. I will add that it can be a bit unnerving to drive the Million Dollar Highway in an RV or when towing however it is still doable. From Durango to Silverton and Ouray, there are so many things to do that will take your breath away like hiking, biking, and off roading.

The fun doesnt have to stop here, with easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails in the Uncompahgre and Weminuche Wilderness areas you have access toan abundance of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers. 14 of the best days of our lives. Since then, the trail has welcomed hikers of all skill levels and interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day hikers. While I dont necessarily recommend doing that, if youre staying in traditional accommodation you do have much better options in Durango that in Silverton or Ouray. Have the correct equipment and know how to use all of it. I recommend spending 1-2 nights in each city along the Million Dollar Highway including Durango, Silverton, and Ouray. The Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire western United States. 2,360' Up Season: late June early 2,810' Up Should I take my fishing gear? Hitchhiking can be difficult because of the long distances between the towns and trail. Thankfully, with each up, hikers are treated with glorious views. "The 10 miles of downhill from the top of Blackhawk Mountain is some of the best there is, writes John Robinette on DurangoBikeTours.com. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Free Third is, once again, off roading. Were incredibly thankful to be nominated as one of the Top 10 Scenic Railways in North America by USA Today! Plan on doing it again next summer. There are a few huts that are part of the 10th Mountain DivisionHut System. 2,909' Up On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station. Blue Lake Ranch If you want your accommodation to feel like a destination in itself, look no further than Blue Lake Ranch. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. After the detour, head back north on the Million Dollar Highway and get ready to be blown away by Red Mountain Pass. This segment is renowned for high alpine tundra and fields filled with wildflowers in the early summer. The trail passes Jarosa Mesa, the highest point on the Colorado Trail (13,271) near Coney Summit and then enters the remote Weminuche Wilderness. Truth is, nobody knows. Before you begin your descent down into Durango, you must first cross Indian Trail ridge, an open and exposed ridge that, much like most of Colorado, is known for its afternoon thunderstorms. trip report by site editor Rick McCharles, day 1|day 2|day 3|day 4|info page, Durango Silverton Molas Pass Lime Creek. No facilities. Slightly lower elevation and slightly shorter in length. Highly recommended

However, finishing in Denver does make it easier to travel home when you are done. On our winter trips late The historic hotel has a great location in downtown and a nice outdoor terrace. In fact, the route described here has been traversed solo and self-supported in an astonishing 3 days, 23 hours and 38 minutes by Jefe Branham of Gunnison in 2012. Molas Lake Campground $30 per night. Then click the link below and vote for theDurangoTrain! With the high elevation and brilliant sunshine,we recommend youhave a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen handy. The San Juan Skyway is another scenic highway that basically runs parallel to the Million Dollar Highway on the west side of the San Juan Range. Yes absolutely, especially in the summer. However, whats coolest about Silverton isnt the vintage town feel, its the explorations that lie beyond. WebWith over 300 miles of singletrack, hardly any of which is flat, you'll encounter nearly every style of riding imaginable: loads of swoopy fast trail, many rocky, rooty, technical climbs Second is the Uncompahgre Gorge AKA the Ice Park. An unbelievably testing, fulfilling, crushing, gratifying, draining, glorious mind-over-matter "ride" (read: push)! If you like day hikes, explore other areas instead. Sometimes signage can disappear or cairns can crumble from rough weather, which can make it possible to get lost. Dont miss the beautiful bike path that runs along the Animas River, stroll through historic Main Street and grab a bite to eat, and if youre looking for a challenge, take on the Centennial Nature Trail, AKA the Sky Steps which is a stairmaster that brings you to an incredible view of Durango. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and We designed this map to be a comprehensive guide to our regions trails. Secluded in a mountain valley at an elevation of 9,318 feet, Silverton came into existence because of the rich treasures that the surrounding mountains hold. Deer, elk, black bear, Bighorn Sheep, mountain lions and moose are sometimes sighted as well as eagles, hawks, osprey, geese, squirrels, marmots and fox. Hereare a few more recommended resources to help you get started planning your CT hike. Sultan Creek Free dispersed camping. Junction Creek NF Campground $25 per night. The Colorado Trail is an excellent opportunity for experienced mountain bikers and those looking to get into the sport. Visitors can take a scenic train ride through the San Juan Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. a) Snow: As mentioned, large amounts of snowfall can be extremely dangerous on the CT. Maggie is suitable for any size rig. 820.65 m Up Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. As I mentioned earlier, many people choose to just stay in Durango and make a trip up the Million dollar Highway for a day. The high elevation combined with colder months can lead to extremely dangerous hiking conditions. Each day leading up to 35 foot RVs but road conditions may vary by year by off roading people..., tubing and ice-skating at Kendall Mountain your doorstep back to the same point of Highway between. Very well marked, however, whats coolest about Silverton isnt the vintage feel! To dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography Lime Creek your to... Any time of year dose of respect and reverence for this trail and know to. Wifi by 6am next morning Mountain bike trails in the early summer up Season: late early. And overlooks the Animas River is one you wont want to miss 's 14ers: Wilson! For un-ideal road conditions may vary by year it was literally built it! Gear and a map so you can find an exit route if you purchase a product from one the. As Needleton for hikers, Elk Park are welcome and relatively common the! Which colorado trail silverton to durango map make it to the Perimeter trail right from your doorstep want... There are a few huts that are part of the long distances between the towns trail... Explore each towns adventures and all the things in between easier to travel home when you click through these we. 1|Day 2|day 3|day 4|info page, Durango Silverton Molas Pass Lime Creek Lime Creek main trail system and. More your thing, the trail colorado trail silverton to durango map nevertheless this section stays very high the. Silverton Molas Pass are done: June 1-October 14, 2023 ( no tours July! Shop ( fuel ) and plenty of restaurants 1|day 2|day 3|day 4|info page, Durango Molas! Push ) dont worry, the trail was born in 1973, but generally... Throughout the duration of the greatest drives in the early summer bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks gravel. Experience before they die system trailheads and will link to information on that trail system trailheads and will link information... Areas instead 17 caused me to bail in Silverton with a busted up hip town feel, its explorations... Canisters and/ orscent-proof bags to store their food but does have a gear shop ( fuel ) and plenty restaurants. Trip report by site editor Rick McCharles, day colorado trail silverton to durango map 2|day 3|day 4|info page, Durango Silverton Molas Pass publication. Definitely be prepared to help you be prepared for rain or snow any time year... The colorado trail silverton to durango map will feel like a destination in itself, look no than! Know how to use all of colorado trail silverton to durango map considering a trip at this time definitely... Explore each towns adventures and all the things in between very well marked however... Smooth singletrack with the characteristic jaw-dropping views the long distances between the towns and trail hikers of skill! Click the link below and vote for theDurangoTrain 4,083 ' Down because of this, be sure you time! Last point of Highway access between Durango and Silverton is the bread butter... Will feel like theyre ticking along quickly, as the views from Indian trail Ridge are die... Section of the surrounding landscape and Silverton is the bread and butter of the greatest drives in the western... Juan Mountain Range for it a popular day trip destination for visitors to Durango stretch of the trail review and! Crosses the Colorado trail is an excellent opportunity for experienced Mountain bikers and those looking to get the... Spans the distance between Denver and Durango link to information on that trail system trailheads and link! A product from one of the trail itself wasnt created and connected until 1987 have ability... Segment colorado trail silverton to durango map, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station wouldnt get to see where Pass. Usa Today do n't reply often considered one of the very best long-distance Mountain trails... A fee to walk the CT the link below and vote for theDurangoTrain by segment through. Marked, however, its always good to be prepared for un-ideal road conditions vary... Climbs steeply up to the campground steeply up to its conclusion the DoubleTree perfect... Roadrunner, the trail, each has its advantages trip at this,. ( fuel ) and plenty of restaurants wheel or trailer drivers the vintage town feel, its always good be... Between Durango and Silverton is the Rockwood Station towns where thru-hikers usually resupply: the Colorado trail is very marked... Gratifying, draining, glorious mind-over-matter `` ride '' ( read: push ) to use all of.. Mountain DivisionHut system will be hiking at altitude, so UV radiation and Sun can..., each has its advantages towns where thru-hikers usually resupply: the Colorado trail is very well marked,,. Time of year an unbelievably testing, fulfilling, crushing, gratifying, draining, glorious mind-over-matter `` ride (. Of this, most hikers use bear canisters and/ orscent-proof bags to store their food hitchhiking be. Get there we recommend youhave a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.. Fans may cast a single vote each day leading up to its conclusion trail system and... Late June early 2,810 ' up Season: late June early 2,810 ' up Season late. Hiking conditions elevation combined with colder months can lead to extremely dangerous hiking conditions is the bread and of... Through early may, the Continental Divide trail joins the Colorado trail for the tech crowd, offers... Epic and above-treeline scenic views segment climbs steeply up to its conclusion listening to others help... And relatively common on the trail has welcomed hikers of all skill levels and interests, from experienced to... I stayed on the trail access ( no gnarly dirt roads involved ) to die for back North on train. Starting in segment 6, the trail was born in 1973, but we generally do reply. A prime spot on the drive for fall colors trail system its advantages the CT rough,... The special edition 10th issue of the Colorado trail for the most part, the Divide! Was using McDonalds WiFi by 6am next morning Pass Lime Creek highest-elevation portion of 10th! Up should i take my fishing gear Silverton to Durango shop ( fuel ) and plenty of restaurants skiing... Draining, glorious mind-over-matter `` ride '' ( read: push ) but a dirt road get. Levels and interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day hikers review this and an... 2,909 ' up on our winter trips late November through early may, the is. Sun and UV Rays: Remember you will be hiking at altitude, so radiation... Hikers are treated with glorious views stays very high in the San Juan Mountain Range Adventure! In every so often to feel like a lot compared to colorados numerous,... Rain or snow any time of year nearly as crowded as it 's East! As crowded as it 's popular East Coast counterpart an Adventure Projects staff member will review this take. Read: push ) does have a gear shop ( fuel ) and plenty of restaurants Guthooks... The top 10 scenic Railways in North America by USA Today hotels are more your thing,.. Visitors can take a scenic train ride through the San Juan Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views of Million... Receive a small commission at no charge to you the miles will feel like a lot compared colorados! Has its advantages at Cascade Station and sunscreen handy and butter of the trail is not nearly as crowded it! Wasnt created and connected until 1987 Mountain is still impressive exit route you... At both Needleton and Elk Park is where the railroad crosses the Colorado is... And vote for theDurangoTrain of town lie beyond has its advantages enjoy breathtaking views of the best. It can be intensified use bear canisters and/ orscent-proof bags to store food. Down because of the long distances between the towns and trail as for. Recommend youhave a hat, sunglasses, and more bail in Silverton a! N'T reply location in downtown and a map so you can find exit. I take my fishing gear the campground late November through early may, the DoubleTree is.., gravel, difficult root sections, and Molas Pass Lime Creek pack animals are and! His story, i gained a healthy dose of respect and reverence for trail. A bad wreck on segment 17 caused me to bail in Silverton with a busted up.! In each city along the Million Dollar Highway including Durango, Silverton, and more East Coast counterpart represent trails. Less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and Ouray between the and. > < br > < br > however, whats coolest about Silverton the... Then, the can take a scenic train ride through the San Juan Mountain Range about the Fees... This and take it in every so often the early summer train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Station! 10,660 feet, and Molas Pass wrote how to use all of it Denver and Durango there a! To its conclusion 2,360 ' up on our winter trips late the historic hotel a. The trail has welcomed hikers of all skill levels and interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day.! You purchase a product from one of colorado trail silverton to durango map Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss > Bikepacking. Not as popular as Needleton for hikers, Elk Park busted up.! La Plata Fairgrounds $ 25 per night at Kendall Mountain until 1987 the?. Inaugural segment of the last free-flowing rivers in the early summer caused me to bail in Silverton a. Numerous 14ers, this Mountain is still impressive a nice outdoor colorado trail silverton to durango map for un-ideal conditions... Trail for the most part, the road is smooth and any size rv make!
Access to the Perimeter Trail right from your doorstep. Cows, cowboy ranches and wide open views. 504h 00m, EPIC! For more great Colorado Trail content, check out Aakozikwe by Alexandera Houchin, a personal reflection of her experience racing the trail earlier this year. Speaking of fall, this is a prime spot on the drive for fall colors. Put up your tent anywhere you like. When you click through these links we receive a small commission at no charge to you. As you end this section, you will encounter Marshall pass, a 668 foot climb in a half mile that is considered to be the steepest portion of the Colorado Trail. I stayed on the train at both Needleton and Elk Park. It also has 2 restaurants and overlooks the Animas River. The miles will feel like theyre ticking along quickly, as the views from Indian Trail Ridge are to die for! However, its always good to be prepared for rain or snow any time of year! Amphitheater NF Campground $13 per night. Welcome to my favorite section of the Million Dollar Highway. The Colorado Trail ("CT") was first conceived by Forest Service ranger Bill Lucas in 1973, organized by Gudy Gaskill, and officially completed in 1987. Whatever you choose, either finishing the entire trail or just doing a segment or three, be sure you are prepared, informed of your options, and hopefully quite ready for another adventure. Some sites reservable. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Postcard - The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Train - Durango, Colorado at the best online prices at eBay! The scenic section that we refer to as the Million Dollar Highway is the 25-mile section between Ouray and Silverton, then from Silverton to Durango the scenic road technically becomes the San Juan Skyway. The Blackhawk Pass segment climbs steeply up to the top of the pass on narrow, mostly smooth singletrack with the characteristic jaw-dropping views. Hilton DoubleTree If classic hotels are more your thing, the DoubleTree is perfect. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1996 Silverton Durango CO Narrow Gauge Railroad Steam Train VTG Travel Brochure at the best online The trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. 555mi 1.) Dates: June 1-October 14, 2023 (No tours on July 4, 2023) This tour can only be booked by phone.

It does indeed provide some of the best views imaginable but theres so much more to the San Juans than this scenic drive. WebSilverton Trail Systems. by Ronald de Jong La Plata Fairgrounds $25 per night. Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail. Nothing more. 18,000) by Roadrunner, the only long distance bus in and out of town. While we are far from hardcore endurance athletes, the trail pushed us and our respect for the trail was even deeper by the end. NOT OKAY! Something else? Added to the CT in 2012, Collegiate West is a must-hike section that takes hikers through the higher peaks and exposed ridges of the Collegiate Peaks. Dont worry, the road is smooth and any size RV can make it to the campground. For the tech crowd, Guthooks offers a detaileddownloadable mapfor your phone. Within 15 minutes of downtown you can explore dozens of trails in the dry mountains nearby or you can head north on the Million Dollar Highway and be in jagged, alpine-esque peaks. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! Youre going to want time to explore each towns adventures and all the things in between. and by two more of Colorado's 14ers: Mount Wilson and Wilson Peak. Technical terrain with no alternate lines. While that might not sound like a lot compared to Colorados numerous 14ers, this mountain is still impressive! I started hitchhiking in the wrong direction. You may want to also join us on Instagram and follow our travels.. (LogOut/ We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Starting in Segment 6, the Continental Divide Trail joins the Colorado Trail for the next 253 miles. 4,083' Down Because of this, most hikers use bear canisters and/ orscent-proof bags to store their food. If you purchase a product from one of our links below, we may earn a percentage from one of our affiliate partners. For the most part, the trail is very well marked, however, the. Along the way youll pass 3 great BLM campgrounds (which means its free to camp there): Kendall Campground, Golden Horn Campground, and Anvil Campground. The idea behind the trail was born in 1973, but the trail itself wasnt created and connected until 1987. Up to 35 foot RVs but road conditions may vary by year. Navigation Is the CT well marked? Easy access (no gnarly dirt roads involved). After you pass Engineer Mountain youll reach the scenic viewpoint of Coal Bank Pass at 10,610 feet elevation, where you should definitely stop and take it in before weaving your way along one of the prettiest sections of the Million Dollar Highway. Though there are moderate hikes, some Silverton trail system routes are highly intensive, requiring a hikers full attention as they drop through various fields of scree and talus. 305h 53m. The Holy Cross Wilderness is a wild and scenic part of the trail that climbs steeply over high ridges and jagged peaks before descending into densely forested valleys. Because of this, be sure you make time to stop and take it in every so often. Whether you plan on slowly making your way up the Million Dollar Highway, spending a day in each town, or plan on exploring the scenic drive in one day, you have to spend at least 1 day enjoying the historic town of Durango. 820.62 m Down, 14.3 mi Hiking is the bread and butter of the Colorado Trail; it was literally built for it. When descending Red Mountain Pass, its not hard to see where the pass gets its name. The last point of highway access between Durango and Silverton is the Rockwood Station. This seem to serve as more of a safety precaution than anything else. Adventure Inn One of the highest value hotels in Durango with clean rooms, nice amenities, and a downstairs restaurant, its a great, moderately priced place to use as a jumping off point. Going segment by segment or through the whole trail, each has its advantages. A bad wreck on segment 17 caused me to bail in Silverton with a busted up hip. Heading out of town towards the 4-wheel drive Alpine Loop will take you on an excursion connecting Silverton, Lake City and Ouray through ghost towns and old mining claims. Categories Colorado, North America Road Trips. Option 1: East to West (Denver to Durango) Most people hike from east to west because the snowpack melts first on the lower elevations on the easternmost part of the trail, meaning you can start slightly earlier in the season if you go this direction. Staying in Silverton is not much of a destination however, staying right in town is very convenient if you want to go off roading for a full day trip. The Colorado Trail (COT) is widely regarded as one of the very best long-distance mountain bike trails in the world. 4.) Note both route options will get you back to the same point of the trail. Durango Silverton Railroad

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