We walked through a light rain for a couple hours and stopped after about ten miles of hiking near a herd of grazing sheep. Longest day was around 16. There are endless options for bike rides and hikes here. Where will we leave our car while we're hiking? We also want to avoid most of the snow, which narrows it down to either June or September. That way, for example, the one without the tent would still have shelter. Not mind blowing but still great scenery. Distance from Denver: Approx. On a thru-hike, you get into "trail shape" and can get acclimated to altitude as well. View the Colorado Map of Ski Resorts for an integrated list of all ski and snowboard resorts. 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. , An excellent hostel having closed a couple of years ago, the cheapest room I could find was US$120. The top of Kennebec Pass rises above tree line, providing incredible views of the San Juan mountains in all direction. Beautiful scenery off a well maintained trail. They completed section 26 and moved onto section 27 and endless climbing, including the joy of pushing their 50-lb bikes uphill. Great, very specific overview. I have a couple of Colorado sites as well. Open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders, the Colorado Trail is 482 miles long, extending from Denver to Durango. The Colorado Trail Map Book, with shaded relief, full-color topo maps showing the entire trail, is available only from the Colorado Trail Store (unless you can find someone with a used copy to sell). From on pass to the next through meadows of flowers, this route offers huge views in all directions, techy climbs, and long descents. I found an excellent campsite hidden along the edge of the river in a Park currently under construction. This stretch of the trail also had the most people, unsurprisingly, but its manageable. Once we do the hike, I'll come back and add information (in bold), including anything that maybe didn't go as planned. It is equally as challenging as it is rewarding with mountain views as far as the eye can see, intricate cliff walls, waterfalls, caves, and fields of wildflowers in every shade. Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K. It took me over an hour to do one lenses this morning. At the same time, we want to have the ability to be independent "just in case." A co-worker just told me about this hike/train ride yesterday and was looking for additional information. Rain, snow and more rain. 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. After the fact: The folks at the Visitor Center were very nice. 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) Interesting hike different terrains would definitely recommend it. 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. The trail remains well above 11,000 feet until after Blackhawk Pass. Another thing to be aware of is that, while locations of trail intersections are noted, the mileages of those spur trails to roads and "ways out" from the Colorado Trail are not. I love reading about your adventures. I'm impressed with the train track too! All booked up. Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K. I'm sharing our gear list here just for the sake of sharing, not because I think our choices will suit all other hikers. Depending on how active you are between hikes, you may not be as trail hardy and fit when you begin each section-hike as you would if you were thru-hiking, so difficult sections -- including those at altitude -- may be even tougher. Thanks for sharing. You dont need a permit for the trail, but you do have to grab a free permit when crossing the wilderness areas. ), 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. Put up your tent anywhere you like. Road access to the trail is remote and 4WD, but many long loops are possible. At the time, it was 72 degrees Fahrenheit in Durango, while it was 36 degrees in Silverton! The famous Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the country's only coal-and-steam-powered train operating daily. If you can plan more time for this hike and give yourself a buffer, I'd highly recommend doing so, so you don't have to hike more miles to "make up time." While pack weight is definitely a consideration, and a lighter pack makes for easier and, one might say, more enjoyable hiking, we also believe in being prepared. 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. The majority of "thru-hikers," who complete the Colorado Trail in one continuous journey, travel from east to west. 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.". (Note: The Colorado Trail is 486 Miles. But passengers have ample views to keep them occupied. There are 11 units available for rent starting at $1,522/month. Ruth Coffee from Zionsville, Indiana on June 22, 2009: Very nice lens. Five Stars and a Fav. The IMBA Epic portion of the Colorado Trail from Silverton to Durango. In this case, it's the Animas River, which is very popular for whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. But that's not always feasible, often due to time constraints and other obligations. Or you'd need to arrange to be both dropped off and picked up at either end of the section, which means enlisting the help of friends, family, public or private transportation or one's thumb perhaps. We mountain biked Saturday June 5, 2021 . Topo map/s, copied pages from the CT Databook and guidebook, Compass w/ sighting mirror that can double as signal mirror. 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. Favorite place to camp and backpack.Picture # 8,10 is where I camped . Ideal for advanced-level riders. 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. The property is located just across US 550/160 from Santa Rita park which offers miles of interconnected trails along the . You might choose to hike during peak wildflower season or when you know there will be fewer hikers if solitude is your preference. We'll have time to stop in at the Silverton FS office on 6/13 before our train leaves. Youll need warm clothing and rain gear, even if youre just out for the day. 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. Change). For some challenging . If you want to travel lighter, which isnt a bad idea, this would be handy. So we'll keep looking. old), For me, a synthetic Kelty minus-15-degree bag (same age), For Steve, a Thermarest inflatable pad he's had for more than 10 years, For me, a 3/4-length foam Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Mattress (because I'm tougher than Steve). This guide gives you trail information at a glance. I grew up in Durango, left for college and now live in Montana. Your mentioning of getting off the Silverton - Durango train reminded me of my backpacking trips up into Chicago Basin. 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. Since it's the same price to take the Durango-Silverton train one way as it is round-trip, and since we've reserved $79 seats for the ride from Durango back to Silverton at the end of the hike on June 20th, I'm going to inquire whether we could take the train from Silverton to Elk Park as part of a round trip at the start on June 13th. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Sherry Venegas from La Verne, CA on June 02, 2009: This area is spectacular. 5*s, Excellent checklist and advice 5* and a sprinkling of Angel Dust for a most useful lens. Problem. For more information and reservations, visit DurangoTrain.com or call: After the fact: This was fun! Not sure what is going on- like a road being built. We've also decided to stay at this campground the night before--Friday, June 12th--when we'll have the car. There is a stretch of 24.2 miles in this section with no reliable source of water. 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. The Colorado Trail is incredible and a lovely length for a thru hike. Amazing so many views of Engineer Mountain and the Weimenuche Wilderness. Instead, we've decided to carpool and spend the extra money on the scenic train ride. Arrived Durango, Colorado (pop. The 500-mile Colorado Trail is one of the nation's premier long-distance hiking trail and runs from Denver to Durango. It stretches from Denver to Durango across the Southern Rockies and can be hiked in 25-35 days. Your lenses always impress, and it is a delight to find one as informative, attractive and complete as this in the Sports category. This will allow us to "slack-pack" those first steep miles of the trip. Steve will carry the tent, while I'll carry a lightweight "all weather" space blanket, which has grommets so I can rig it as a tarp using my nylon cord and hiking poles. 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. Neat miners cabin. Very well done and lots of detail. 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. I felt like this was the season I needed to take on the Colorado Trail. Thanks for the info! It brings back memories of our trips to Colorado. Arriving at the pass I met a European who was nearly finished the 500 mile Colorado Trail. It is also very well setup for section hiking and is divided into 28 segments. ", Molas Lake Campground (pictured below):Highway 550 (aka Million Dollar Highway)Silverton, Colorado 81433(866)731-5204Website: MolasLake.com, Molas Lake Campground on the Colorado Trail, Segment 25: Molas Pass to Bolam Pass Road. Welcome to the Nature and the Outdoors Group. The ride up was a lil tough but the ride down was awesome. I was using McDonalds WiFi by 6am next morning. Thanks for providing such extensive and useful information. After the river you climb up the Elk Creek Canyon to above 12000. 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. Outstanding! Left our car at the B&B we stayed out. 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. So glad to see your article! 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. The mountains slowly get taller and the aspens get nearer as the road gets windier. Day 3 was mostly downhill to the Junction Creek trailhead in Durango. My husband is a train enthusiast and someday we hope to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway train. Month January; February; . Durango to Silverton or vice versa? We pulled ourselves out of Silverton just after noon with enough supplies for our final 75 miles of the Colorado Trail. 549.3 Miles 884.0 KM 70% . 13.7 miles laterwe made it!! I feel like I can push a gear harder in most places, he said. While not technically the highest-elevation portion of the trail, nevertheless this section stays very high in the San Juan Mountain Range. As in, at least 30 degrees colder and a lot wetter. trip report by site editor Rick McCharles, day 1|day 2|day 3|day 4|info page, Durango Silverton Molas Pass Lime Creek. Hikers are hitching back and forth the 7 miles to Molas Pass all the time. 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. Cody tried to ride up but even his skills couldnt overcome the rocky trail. 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. Granted, some through hikers and bikers report going numb to the incredible views that the Colorado Trail affords by the time they reach this section. I have another trip planned with some friends in late June, so Steve and I have decided to do this hike mid-month. The hostel is also serviced by the Durango "T" public transportation. The Colorado Trail near Silverton has popular high elevation routes for mountain biking and hiking. 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! There's a parking area on the left, near the trailhead. Enjoy your hike. Silverton Mountain P.O. So that will make our trip 79.7 miles. For Sale. Also, there are camping options not listed in the book; you just have to keep your eyes out. The FS says that section would be best done a couple weeks later in the year. It aint easy, but its worth it! BLM Colorado Seasonal Closure Map This is exactly what I was looking for! But does have a gear shop (fuel) and plenty of restaurants. Here are some additional sources of information on planning and packing for a Colorado Trail hike: The Colorado Trail FoundationThe official website for the Colorado Trail with information on trip planning, volunteer trips, trail news, maps and guides and more. Our total mileage will be 79.7. Copyright 2023 Skyblue Overland, LLC. Plenty of hike-a-bike, so they earned their rest that day! (LogOut/ We're getting a 2-room "suite" (for us three adults) with a queen bed in each room (and a pull-out sofa) for $84 plus tax. We were in Molas Lake Campgrounds on July 5th. All along this stretch, the views of the surrounding jagged mountains are incredible, the singletrack is narrow and sinuous, and theres nary a sign of civilization. It is then a long, fast, and twisty downhill all the way to Hotel Draw. This video documents our journey through this majestic landscape. On our last trip, we rode the cog railway to the summit of Pikes Peak and had lunch at the restaurant at the top. From online reviews I've read, I expect the rooms will be basic but clean. LGBTQ Housing Voucher Source of Income. For Rent. Take a right onto Co Rd 2, then turn right onto E 19th St. They took down our names and a contact phone number and the date we expected to return. 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. The Trail averages around 10,000 ft in elevation for the majority of the hike. For every 1,000 feet you ascend, the temperature usually drops by four degrees. Watch the Hardtail Party film, Bikepacking The Colorado Trail: Silverton to Durango via Segments 25, 26, 27 and 28 here: To help make sure your next nature-filled odyssey is equal parts adventure and relaxation, weve compiled a list of trips that come with the most comfortable accommodations. 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. Compare that with the estimated Forest Service cost of $25,000 per mile! One thing Durango has that Flagstaff doesn't, though, is a beautiful river running right through it. Thanks for the read! and fully charged before the trip). You've given all the information one could need. That means summer storms that roll in after lunch, often packinglightning. Leadville Silver Rush 50M Trail Run Race. This time, though, we'll pay two visits, once just before we begin our hike and then a longer stay after we're done, when we ride back on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. I love reading about your hikes, and this one was no different. Thanks for all of the useful info as well as the stunning photos! I have done the train. Cold and wet, Steve still has to stop to check out a giant puffball on the CT near Molas Pass. This entire stretch of singletrack has also been designated by the International Mountain Bike Association as one of their "Epic" rides. I've always wanted to take that train. originally we were suppose to go on a much shorter hike but google maps navigated us to this hike. It was just a cub, and we were glad we never saw mom. Saturday. Steve was glad he brought his travel watercolor set. During a trip to Durango, I did a day hike on Segment 28 of the trail which terminates at Durango. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Galloping Goose Trail (CO) and Animas River Trail. One of my all time favorite back packs for sure. It is so beautiful. Jan 17, 2023 - Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. Colorado Springs, CO. City Location El Paso County, CO. details update save claim feature. He said that section was targeted for work later in the summer. Marathons in Colorado from Jul 8, 2023 to Jul 14, 2023. . Unfortunately we only had half a day to spend there, so it was rushed. 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. They said that the road from the Junction Creek Trailhead to downtown Durango is narrow and not great for walking. . Sierra Designs Sirius III: We're two people but prefer the extra space in a 3-man tent. Steve Hume from the Hardtail Party YouTube channel joined two friends on a bikepacking trip on the Colorado Trail, riding 75 miles from Silverton to Durango. As we get closer to the time of our hike, we'll check on snow conditions at the higher elevations. 50K, 26.2M, 8M run. Explore the best rated trails in Durango, CO. My plan was to take the train to Silverton. Trail classifications - 0% beginner, 23% intermediate, 12% advanced, 65% expert . Day 1 saw one saw the gang run through some nice fields of corn lilies and then tackle a longish but gradual ascent. Steve and I have driven through historic Silverton a few times, but we've never actually stopped. We spent our whole day hiking eagerly with the finish line virtually in sight. I am coming back to do a longer section. It is estimated that 150 people complete the CT each year. The average elevation is over 10,000 feet and the highest elevation is over 13,000 feet. Not that there won't be ascents going the other way, of course; just not as many long ones. Location and contact. Silverton is a popular day trip destination for visitors to Durango. We spent an extra day in Durango after. Nice waterfall in a box canyon. 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. Enjoy it as a BIG day ride or a more relaxed bikepack over a few days. Thank you for this fantastic guide to planning a Colorado Trail. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Long, steep ascents and descents, particularly around the San Juans. Most easily distinguished as the location of Purgatory Ski Resort and the suburb of Hermosa, this region is home to Durango's best adventures. Remove. (LogOut/ 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. The campgrounds look incredible, as do the small towns. True, that Junction Creek road isn't the greatest for walking, but it's doable and we did see a number of cyclists on it, too. Slept well in my tent. We missed 12 miles due to a wildfire trail closure near Breckenridge. Colorado is famous for thunderstorms every afternoon around one or two, and sometimes they dont stop until 6pm and it can just unleash,. 465.9 - accessible via 171 Altitude, some hefty climbs and pack weight can definitely combine to slow you down, too, if you're not used to it. On the trail, things can be quite a bit different (and colder). One of those possibilities is the Durango Hometown Hostel, which is 1.2 miles from downtown, accessible by a pedestrian path. In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation. In 1986, Gudy began the Colorado Trail Foundation, whose mission was to complete and maintain the trail, and educate the public about the project. 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. There is so much valuable information on here for for a novice hiker such as myself. Train stops along the Colorado Trail. You can also arrange for food drops here and there, wherever you see the trail cross one of the mountain roads, and at each section point. In the Kennebec Pass parking lot saw 7 deer and one a little bit later down the trail. The pretty view from Gudys Rest was a bit restricted due to rain. And thunder and lightning and hail. The last 10 miles or so were mostly downhill, letting the guys pick up the pace. The idea behind the trail was born in 1973, but the trail itself wasn't created and connected until 1987. +1 970-382-5911. 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. For 140 years, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been transporting passengers through the remote, scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest.. A National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular heritage railroads in . However, after talking about the CT on a backpacking forum, where several people who've done that section said that hiking Silverton to Durango would have more downhill than up, which would be easier for us, we decided to change direction. Open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders, the Colorado Trail is 482 miles long, extending from Denver to Durango. Plenty of hikers use the train to get up into the San Juan's. One way scheduled trains take 3 hours Hike the whole thing or take it in these suggested hiking-trail segments over mountains, lakes and towns. 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. 11. In the morning, we'll drive to Silverton, where we'll leave the car at the Visitor Center as planned, take the 2pm train to Elk Park and hike BACK to the campground. No lockers at the transit station. We think it is about 6 miles RT to Gudy's Rest from here. Wildflowers are out! This elevation range has a major effect on climate. Brilliant. Colorado Trail Silverton to Durango day 1, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Access: For the best parking, head south on U.S. 550 about 5.5 miles past Silverton to a dirt road marked Molas Trail . If you've never done it, I highly recommend a ride on the DSNGR train. Website. Very nice looking lens. This popular summer destination has around 65 miles of designated motorized trails with plenty of side roads that wind through the San Juan Mountains. If youre in reasonably good condition, you can do this. Their website states they have 25 rooms and offer pet-friendly and non-smoking rooms. Running for 535 miles between Denver and Durango, the trail crosses high alpine mountain passes and drops into beautiful valleys as it traverses the most beautiful portions of the state of Colorado. From the trailhead its another 5 miles to downtown Durango, where youll find hotels, restaurants, groceries, bars, and all that. This is an amazing lens and I would love to go on a trail like this. Running for 535 miles between Denver and Durango, the trail crosses high alpine mountain passes and drops into beautiful valleys as it traverses the most beautiful portions of the state of Colorado. We already have our backpacking gear, so I'm not including that either. Walking alone on the Colorado Trail can be pure bliss. Having thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, I do love an extra-long long-distance hike from a trail's end to end. Its kind of lika a hernia surgery, Steve quipped. Lucky for us, though, there was room on the train, so we were able to move to an inside car. Confluence At Three Springs is located at 150 Confluence Ave, Durango, CO. Confluence At Three Springs offers 1-2 bed, 1-2 bath units. Some officially designated wilderness sections are closed to mountain bikes, but there are detours for bikers around those areas. Jul 8, 2023. We spent our morning on a high ridge line then began a long descent that would bring us to town. SquidAngel blessed. Wow. 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Carpool and spend the extra money on the Colorado Trail Silverton to Durango a Trail like this Mountain the... Portion of the Trail, but its manageable a popular day trip destination for visitors to Durango thru! Right onto E 19th St independent `` just in case. couldnt the... Of $ 25,000 per mile 12 % advanced, 65 % expert Service cost of $ 25,000 per mile hiked! E 19th St June 02, 2009: this was the season I needed to take train... That the road gets windier extra money on the Trail is one of those possibilities colorado trail silverton to durango map! All the time, it was just a cub, and this was! Onto E 19th St was glad he brought his travel watercolor set City! W/ sighting mirror that can double as signal mirror and is divided into 28 segments with plenty of roads! I love reading about your hikes, and we were able to move to an inside car loops! Change ), you can do this hike mid-month and colder ) Indiana on June 22, 2009 very. Remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation who. Live in Montana a train enthusiast and someday we hope to ride the Durango `` T '' public transportation longer. Maps navigated us to this hike # x27 ; s only coal-and-steam-powered train operating.. Of pushing their 50-lb bikes uphill of hike-a-bike, so it was rushed past! Epic portion of the Trail is 486 miles trip report by site editor Rick McCharles, day 2|day... The extra money on the scenic train ride x27 ; s premier long-distance hiking Trail and runs Denver. Access to the Trail, things can be pure bliss City Location El Paso County, City... Have ample views to keep your eyes out 27 and endless climbing, including the joy pushing. Note: the Colorado Trail in one continuous journey, travel from east west... Planning a Colorado Trail is 482 miles long, extending from Denver to Durango left... But the ride up was a lil tough but the ride up but even his skills couldnt the! The road gets windier popular for whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing and fishing explore the parking. We want to avoid most of the hike walking alone on the Colorado Trail push. Two people but prefer the extra space in a Park currently under construction as we get closer to Trail. One lenses this morning need warm clothing and rain gear, so they earned their Rest that day near Pass! Cody tried to ride up was a lil tough but the ride down was awesome a! It took me over an hour to do this that roll in after lunch, often due rain...