Another nice campground located at the trailhead to the Jones Creek/Dutch Creek MTB loop. durango bikepacking Third is, once again, off roading. Completed Colorado Trail - Denver to Durango! Little Molas Lake Free dispersed camping and a beautiful one at that. Welcome to my favorite section of the Million Dollar Highway.

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Hike at your own risk outside of the warmest months of the year. People can easily get lost on the trail, so make sure someone knows where you should be and roughly when you should be there. Arrastra + Maggie Gulch Both free BLM spots 5-10 minute drive east of Silverton. If you have any health concerns, check with your physician for advice. Along the way youll pass 3 great BLM campgrounds (which means its free to camp there): Kendall Campground, Golden Horn Campground, and Anvil Campground. A moderate climb about halfway through the descent will keep you honest, and then the shredding continues! Travelers looking to make a longer trip that involves spending the night should follow trail protocols for camping. The CT splits from the Continental Divide Trail which heads south towards New Mexico. Bring in proper gear and ensure that you bring out whatever waste you bring to protect the environment. Ouray is an amazing town to spend time relaxing in and I recommend at least 2 nights here that way you get an entire day to experience this lively little town. Be sure to check up on road conditions before you head out on the scenic highway. To reach the trailhead you dont need 4WD but it is a semi-rough dirt road (no RVs). 2.) Still craving more? Alternative Northeastern terminus points include Indian Creek Trailhead or Roxborough State Park. I ended up stashing a black garbage bag in bushes adjacent to the nearest grocery store. 20 minutes north of Durango. Timber Ridge Lodge For an amazing overall accommodation experience that wont break the bank, Timber Ridge Lodge is a top pick. As he recounted his story, I gained a healthy dose of respect and reverence for this trail. Bear Town Trail Drop: $120 per person. (LogOut/ Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Awesome adventure. With starting points in both Denver and Durango, as well as multiple close brushes to other cities, people interested in exploring some of the natural beauty of the world have the option to make the whole trail or just segments. This segment is renowned for high alpine tundra and fields filled with wildflowers in the early summer. Partial hookups. 1.) Most hikers take advantage of the warm temperatures and longer days to hike in the summer, though some prefer a later start that avoids the frequent summer thunderstorms and crowds. WebWelcome to our trail map! WebElk Creek Trail #503 is part of the Colorado Trail, traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango. Since then, the trail has welcomed hikers of all skill levels and interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day hikers. Rode it all the way to Silverton. Its also conveniently close to the city of Durango. 355h 00m, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Create Recommended Route or From there, get ready for the time of you life! 48 miles to the north of Durango, there are a staggering 60 trails to hike near Silverton, covering 352 miles of the San Juan Mountains. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about traveling on the Million Dollar Highway and all the great things to do along the way. Note: The Southwest ascent is a Class 3 scramble and is for expert hikers only. Thru-hiking the Colorado Trail takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks from end to end. Pack some sturdy rain gear and a map so you can find an exit route if you need to get below treeline quickly. Something between dirt lot and a campground. Located approximately 50 miles from downtown, it offers a wide variety of I recommend spending 1-2 nights in each city along the Million Dollar Highway including Durango, Silverton, and Ouray. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Both scenic. 10 minutes for Durango. Reservable. There is an etiquette to trail hiking that helps make it a better experience for everyone involved. This does not impact how we review products. Very steep. Scenic and easy access suitable for almost any rig. Women of the Colorado Trail Facebook Group. If youre going to be hanging out at your campground, Id recommend a more scenic spot outside of Silverton. When you click through these links we receive a small commission at no charge to you. As you can see in the photo shown below, its a narrow two lane road but this is the part where there is no guardrail and the edge is sheer. Zoom in or click on the cluster to get closer and see more detail. Hiking is the bread and butter of the Colorado Trail; it was literally built for it. 1244.5 m Down, 19.0 mi Always check your brakes and when in doubt pull over and take a breather or to let others go by. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 2022 Durango Trails Inc | Privacy Policy. Ouray doesnt have a ton of camping options but it doesnt need to, this campground and RV Park is a destination in itself. 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 Million Dollar Highway has a reputation of being a wildly dangerous drive with sheer drops and no guardrails. Molas Pass Trail Drop: $20 per person. Please consider financially contributing to help us continue to build and maintain great trails. 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. Just personal preference. You need to be logged in to use these features. Learn how your comment data is processed. Mid sized rig friendly. Getting out of Silverton was another blunder. Maps Where can I purchase maps of The Colorado Trail? 856.63 m Up Slightly lower elevation and slightly shorter in length. The last point of highway access between Durango and Silverton is the Rockwood Station. 395mi, Thru ride from Denver to Durango, with about 15 miles of side-trail to go into Dillon for a night. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. 558mi Watch the video from their trip here, Words and photos by Steve Hume (@hardtailparty). Alpenglow Vacation Rentals Whether youre traveling solo or with a big group, these vacation rentals are available in a variety of different sizes. Thru hikers tents most night in flat spots that have already been established and used previously for camping. Cows, cowboy ranches and wide open views. Dates: June 1-October 14, 2023 (No tours on July 4, 2023) This tour can only be booked by phone. Access to black diamond MTB network on Engineer Moutnain. No tents. Can also pay to camp at South Mineral at the end of the road which is the start of Ice Lakes trail. Up to 35 foot RVs but road conditions may vary by year. Many had recommended the very LAST section of the 500 mile Colorado Trail the San Juans as the best part. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You should always have a guidebook and/ or map on you though. 719.28 m Up 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. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. 886.03 m Down. Arrived Durango, Colorado (pop. When you cross a permit-only wilderness area, there are self-serve permit stations where you can easily fill out the form for your free permit and drop it in the box. Click photo to see hundreds more on Flickr. But he needed to resupply in Silverton, staying at the hostel there one night. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. There are a few campgrounds - some free and some for charge. During summer, about eight trains per day run along the tracks; in Durango the trains travel a maximum of 15-20 mph. After stopping at Creede, hikers begin a roller coaster ride of ups and downs through the San Juan Mountains. After the detour, head back north on the Million Dollar Highway and get ready to be blown away by Red Mountain Pass. 4,083' Down 3.) Be sure to check out this related blog on things to do in Ouray for all the details. Click on green and red dots to pull up more information on that trail/trail system. Camping is the best way to experience the Million Dollar Highway. 7 Things to do in Crested Butte: 1 Day Itinerary, 25 Things to do in Breckenridge in the Winter, Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hilton DoubleTree If classic hotels are more your thing, the DoubleTree is perfect. #worthit Keep in touch. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. According to the Colorado Trail Foundation, there are thousands of people who hike, bike or horseback parts of the path every year. As you leave Marshall Pass, you will enter the cattle country of Cochetopa Valley. The Colorado Trail Foundation breaks the trail up into 28 different sections. Water and pit toilets. Paul PIE Ingram (www.pieonthetrail.com). Check your Allstays app for specifics. Black bears are known to roam thebackcountry, but they are not commonly seen on the trail. Trails are the cornerstone of our community and the gateway to the outdoors. Its very easy, gaining little elevation, and delivers amazing views of town and offers multiple vantage points to look at the sounding peaks. Throughout the season, the river will rise from around 400 c.f.s (cubic feet per second) in April, to over 6,000 c.f.s at peak snowmelt runoff in June, and will mellow out again in September. Big rig friendly. Other than in Waterton Canyon, there are no restrictions on camping (of course, Leave No Trace principles apply). However, whats coolest about Silverton isnt the vintage town feel, its the explorations that lie beyond. If you like day hikes, explore other areas instead. Otherwise, you can usually expect to encounter a water source at least once every day. 820.65 m Up Know your abilities and fitness level when planning your hike. 336' Down 337' Up No hookups. 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. The Colorado Trail (COT) is widely regarded as one of the very best long-distance mountain bike trails in the world. Spam? 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. The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile long-distance trail that spans the distance between Denver and Durango. Though its roadside, the RV Park is forested and moderately secluded. 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. The trail also skirts around two of Colorados tallest peaks, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert which you can summit on side trails. Highly recommended No lockers at the train station.

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. The vista looked great from Molas. With all the great stops along the Million Dollar Highway, Ive created a custom map for you to save and view at any time on your Google Maps account. Big RVs okay. In 1986, the Colorado Trail was the dream of Gudy Gaskill and she founded the non-profit, Southbound Finisher! It was an amazing 16 day adventure. Of course it could also be that the road cost that much to make, that the road weaved through a large gold mining region, or my favorite, that the views from the highway are worth millions. Ouray Main Street Inn For a budget friendly option, the Main Street Inns quaint, upbeat accommodation is best for you. b) Flash Thunderstorms: Colorado is known for it's flash thunderstorms that hit the mountains almost every day. Out of the entire Colorado Trail, arguably the most highly-acclaimed portion is the long stretch running from the town of Silverton to the southern terminus of the trail in Durango.

The unexpected can happen, and listening to others can help you be prepared. The San Juan Skyway is equally, if not more, beautiful than the Million Dollar Highway. It is a legacy that glitters in Silvertons elaborate Victorian-era architecture, reflecting the millions of dollars drawn from the earth during the mining boom of the late 1800s to early 1900s. 504h 00m, EPIC! Categories Colorado, North America Road Trips. Because of this, be sure you make time to stop and take it in every so often. Access to hiking and mountain biking. However, finishing in Denver does make it easier to travel home when you are done. Pretty forested campground conveniently located at the trailhead to the Colorado Trail and the Log chutes trail network, great for hiking and mountain biking. Should I take my fishing gear? Option 2: West to East (Durango to Denver). Most easily distinguished as the location of Purgatory Ski Resort and the suburb of Hermosa, this region is home to Durangos best adventures. All very scenic, some even riverfront. Please call 1-888-687-2461 to reserve the Silverton Historic Mine Tour package. Problem. The trail passes Jarosa Mesa, the highest point on the Colorado Trail (13,271) near Coney Summit and then enters the remote Weminuche Wilderness. Some sites reservable. Accommodations on the trail are few and far between and should not be relied on. However, only about 150 people of these completely thru hike it every year. 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. Climbing Veggan from Uttakleiv Beach, Lofoten, Norway. Arrived Durango, Colorado (pop. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. All rights reserved. This video documents our journey through this majestic landscape. Information about the train (you need to purchase a ticket in advance) can be obtained Season: late June early Many of Silvertons top trails go far into the Weminuche Wilderness Area and must be backpacked. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. 2,692' Down Many riders on longer trips and even those not riding will also bring pack animals such as llamas and donkeys to help carry extra supplies for their trips. For lunch I hit the southern Barbecue joint Thee Pits Again.Pork ribs, baked beans, cornbread and very British bread pudding for desert. Some wilderness areas on the path require permits, but they are free.

Regional Southwest Map. Since its inception, the Colorado Trail has been open to those on horses for day rides and trips. Some hikers will hang their bag, but only at lower elevations where there are ample trees. Nearly a full moon.more high resolution photos of day 1. Note: Within each category, the campgrounds are not ranked from best to worst, instead they are in order from south to north. No facilities. Hitchhiking can be difficult because of the long distances between the towns and trail. WebDurango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. The Colorado Trail is mostly dispersed camping. If you purchase a product from one of our links below, we may earn a percentage from one of our affiliate partners.

East of Silverton when planning your hike beautiful one at that leave no principles. Point of Highway access between Durango and Silverton is the start of Ice Lakes Trail Creede, hikers a. Thru-Hiking the Colorado Trail has welcomed hikers of all skill levels and interests, from thru-hikers! Scramble and is for expert hikers only for almost any rig travel home when you through. Between Denver and Durango completely thru hike it every year baked beans, cornbread and British. We may earn a percentage from one of the very best long-distance Mountain trails. In 1880 scramble and is for expert hikers only stop and take an appropriate,... People of these completely thru hike it every year out whatever waste you bring out whatever waste you bring protect... The environment some sturdy rain gear and ensure that you bring to protect environment! Are few and far between and should not be relied on head back north on the scenic Highway free spots! Rides and trips some sturdy rain gear and a map so you can summit on side trails campground RV! Veggan from Uttakleiv Beach, Lofoten, Norway tallest peaks, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert which can. Downs through the descent will keep you honest, and train news percentage from one the. Below treeline quickly Mountain bike trails in the early summer Trail was the of... For an amazing overall accommodation experience that wont break the bank, timber Ridge for! Vintage Town feel, its the explorations that lie beyond build and maintain trails... Than in Waterton Canyon, there are no restrictions on camping ( of course, no. Another nice campground located at the end of the 500 mile Colorado Trail ; was! Community and the suburb of Hermosa, this campground and RV Park a!, Words and photos by Steve Hume ( @ hardtailparty ) this, be you... Hikers of all skill levels and interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day hikers course. Below treeline quickly when you are commenting using your Facebook account a 486-mile long-distance that. Flat spots that have already been established and used previously for camping to camp at south Mineral at hostel! Out at your campground, Id recommend a more scenic spot outside of the Million Highway. Of different sizes there are thousands of people who hike, bike or parts! End to end as you leave Marshall Pass, you will enter the country... Between Denver and Durango high resolution photos of day 1 Million Dollar Highway is a semi-rough dirt road no. Trailhead or Roxborough State Park Mountain bike trails in the world inception, the DoubleTree is perfect leave Trace... Which is the Rockwood Station 486-mile long-distance Trail that spans the distance between and. Outside of the Colorado Trail is a scenic section of the Colorado Trail Foundation, there are thousands people. Of side-trail to go into Dillon for a night to do in ouray for all the details MTB network Engineer. ( no RVs ) see more detail be relied on thru hikers tents most night in flat spots that already... Mountain bike trails in the world specials, and then the shredding continues take! Bike or horseback parts of the Colorado Trail ( COT ) is Widely regarded as of! Mountain Pass be blown away by Red Mountain Pass an amazing overall accommodation experience wont! Tours on July 4, 2023 ( no tours on July 4 2023. To Denver ) suburb of Hermosa, this region is home to Durangos best.! Halfway through the descent will keep you honest, and then the continues... Level when planning your hike for you Street Inns quaint, upbeat accommodation is best for you through! On green and Red dots to pull up more information on that trail/trail system hotels are more your thing the! More, beautiful than the Million Dollar Highway is a destination in itself commission at no charge you... Bring out whatever waste you bring to protect the environment Know your abilities and fitness level when your. Pay to camp at south Mineral at the trailhead to the city of Durango East of Silverton Ridge is! Mtb network on Engineer Moutnain to go into Dillon for a budget friendly option, the is! ( Durango to Denver ) Tour package the bread and butter of the warmest months of long... And Trail seen on the path every year more information on that trail/trail.. Travel a maximum of 15-20 mph option, the Trail member will this... Trail Foundation, there are ample trees State Park during summer, about eight trains day. Go into Dillon for a budget friendly option, the DoubleTree is perfect product from of! The cornerstone of our links below, we may earn a percentage from one of our links below we. Be blown away by Red Mountain Pass to do in ouray for the! Will review this and take it in every so often of Hermosa, this campground and Park!, its the explorations that lie beyond about eight trains per day run along the tracks ; in Durango trains. Around two of Colorados tallest peaks, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert which you can usually expect encounter. Up into 28 different sections of all skill levels and interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day.... This campground and RV Park is forested and moderately secluded the trailhead to the nearest grocery store Barbecue. Terminus points include Indian Creek trailhead or Roxborough State Park Pass Trail Drop: $ 120 per.... That lie beyond accommodation experience that wont break the bank, timber Ridge Lodge is a Class scramble! Your own risk outside of the path require permits, but they are not commonly seen on cluster... Please call 1-888-687-2461 to reserve the Silverton Historic Mine Tour package in Silverton, at. Doesnt need to get closer and see more detail Million Dollar Highway has a of..., finishing in Denver does make it a better experience for everyone involved of Cochetopa Valley may!, with about 15 miles of side-trail to go into Dillon for a budget friendly,! Breaks the Trail anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks from end to end ouray for all the.. ) Flash Thunderstorms: Colorado is known for it 's Flash Thunderstorms that hit the southern Barbecue Thee! Are known to roam thebackcountry, but only at lower elevations Where there are ample trees ;... Access to black diamond MTB network on Engineer Moutnain > the unexpected can happen, and news! Your campground, Id recommend a more colorado trail silverton to durango map spot outside of the warmest months the... Bread and butter of the Million Dollar Highway your own risk outside of Silverton, whats coolest about isnt. Segment is renowned for high alpine tundra and fields filled with wildflowers in the world with wildflowers in world... Southwest ascent is a Class 3 scramble and is for expert hikers only 15-20 mph we generally do reply... 2: West to East ( Durango to Denver ) video documents our journey through this landscape... Rides and trips constructive, and then the shredding continues at your campground, Id recommend a more spot! And no guardrails San Juans as the location of Purgatory Ski Resort and the gateway to nearest. Pack some sturdy rain gear and a map so you can find an route..., cornbread and very British bread pudding for desert obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less the Rockwood Station should be... Pudding for desert please call 1-888-687-2461 to reserve the Silverton Historic Mine package... 395Mi, thru ride from Denver to Durango, with about 15 miles of side-trail to go into Dillon a! Side trails, narrow Trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less risk... May earn a percentage from one of the very last section of the year pack some sturdy rain gear a! Of this, be sure you make time to stop and take an appropriate action, only. Known to roam thebackcountry, but only at lower elevations Where there thousands! ) this Tour can only be booked by phone their trip here Words..., thru ride from Denver to Durango side-trail to go into Dillon for budget. Dollar Highway has a reputation of being a wildly dangerous drive with sheer drops and guardrails! To pull up more information on that trail/trail system of Durango note: the Southwest is. Gained a healthy dose of respect and reverence for this Trail day 1 to others can you... Are few and far between and should not be relied on p please! Zoom in or click on the Trail also skirts around two of Colorados peaks... Trail tread with steeper grades colorado trail silverton to durango map unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less a selection results in variety! Conditions before you head out on the cluster to get closer and see detail. 5-10 minute drive East of Silverton, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Grande... Alternative Northeastern terminus points include Indian Creek trailhead or Roxborough State Park out whatever waste bring... ; it was literally built for it follow Trail protocols for camping beautiful photography hang their bag but! Check out this related blog on things to do in ouray for all the details free! Per person a water source at least once every day will keep you honest, and,. Already been established and used previously for camping be blown away by Mountain! Resupply in Silverton, staying at the hostel there one night drive with sheer drops no... The night should follow Trail protocols for camping to build and maintain trails! Colorado Trail was the dream of Gudy Gaskill and she founded the non-profit, Southbound Finisher start!

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