Since then, the trail has welcomed hikers of all skill levels and interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day hikers. 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! Brilliant. Thanks. Chimney remains at the side of road #124 in excellent condition. (See more details below.) The Colorado Trail near Silverton has popular high elevation routes for mountain biking and hiking. You might want to contact ColoradoTrail.org to ask about camping spots in that section. We able to get to the very top out of Lil molas lake trail was snowed over . I have another trip planned with some friends in late June, so Steve and I have decided to do this hike mid-month. Day 1 was about 24 miles, day 2 was about 28 miles, and they finished on day 3 and made it to Durango. Copyright 2023 Skyblue Overland, LLC. I just came across this. I did get to see the Durango to Silverton Tourist train go by and it did look like a good ride. After the fact: We did stop in at the Silverton Forest Service Office, but the man there didn't know anything about hiking from the CT into downtown Durango. That way, for instance, you can avoid heavy snow pack, summer monsoon season, certain pesky insects (black fly season, mosquito season), and so forth. All rights reserved. Underwear (I don't know about Steve, but I take 3 pr. ), After the fact: Well, you can't count on the weather. 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. , Plenty of hikers use the train to get up into the San Juans.One way scheduled trains take 3 hours , Elk Park is the last siding, wye, and flagstop before Silverton. During a trip to Durango, I did a day hike on Segment 28 of the trail which terminates at Durango. Unlike most thru-hikers, we had already decided to start at the western end of the trail, beginning with the terminus closest to home. A popular hike includes the first 4-5 miles, enough to reach the saddle between North Lime Creek and Bear Creek. Riding fully loaded bikes hugely affects the balance of the bike. The ride up was a lil tough but the ride down was awesome. Neat miners cabin. 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. Created in the 1970s and 1980s, the trail consists of a variety of landscapes but is mostly rugged and mountainous alpine terrain. The Colorado Trail is mostly dispersed camping. Fairly easy by Colorado standards. 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). Turn left onto Cement St, then make your next left, and the RV park will be straight ahead. While we are far from hardcore endurance athletes, the trail pushed us and our respect for the trail was even deeper by the end. They're available to take orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays included. I've got it in my head that we're going to park our car in town and walk all the way to Durango. 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. Lone Spur Cafe. The metadata also shows the period of record and variables for which a station has reported. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. We do plan to spend the night in Durango before taking the train back to Silverton, but we don't want to spend big bucks on a hotel, so we're looking at some inexpensive options. It aint easy, but its worth it! My plan was to take the train to Silverton. I've seen both towns (my first view of mountains as a child) and done the train but not the walk. The debriefing style is a nice touch. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. 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. "Be sure to plan a day excursion on the Durango & Silverton line," recommends O'Neal Smith. The FS says that section would be best done a couple weeks later in the year. This will display the station's metadata in the Station Metadata window. On a single-speed, no less. Rode it all the way to Silverton. I stayed on the train at both Needleton and Elk Park. Very nice looking lens. 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. I am coming back to do a longer section. I don't know, though; I have this thing about trying to get a ride from Silverton to that trailhead. Metadata includes the station's name and ID, latitude, longitude, and elevations. I ended up stashing a black garbage bag in bushes adjacent to the nearest grocery store. Some officially designated wilderness sections are closed to mountain bikes, but there are detours for bikers around those areas. That means summer storms that roll in after lunch, often packinglightning. Also, any additional. No lockers at the train station. What started out as a fairly warm day in Durango turned rainy and very cold by the time we got halfway to Silverton. Sat: Sun: Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: Multiple: Hide Map. The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury. We spent our morning on a high ridge line then began a long descent that would bring us to town. This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. This can mean more time to enjoy scenic views, the "small things," and nice campsites. " Love this place! From the trailhead its another 5 miles to downtown Durango, where youll find hotels, restaurants, groceries, bars, and all that. It didn't surprise me at all when I realized it was yours. At the time, it was 72 degrees Fahrenheit in Durango, while it was 36 degrees in Silverton! We stopped for a break and the view at Gudy's Rest four miles before Durango. Sunny every day,great hiking.1999,june. Your lenses always impress, and it is a delight to find one as informative, attractive and complete as this in the Sports category. Required fields are marked *. James had a minor OTB but he picked himself up and rode on without much trouble. But, really, if you'd prefer to pamper yourself a bit after your backpacking trip and not be quite so close to the busy road, I definitely don't recommend this place. A comprehensive breakdown of everything about the Continental Divide Trail from 2022 - from CDT resupply and gear to alternates and advice. Through hikers intending to stop at Molas Lake should be aware that they will hike 2.5 miles from there to the "start" of CT-25. http://www.bigloopmaps.com/ This map includes turn by turn directions for this ride and many that are just like it. I also suggest picking up a copy of the guidebook. Saturday. Easier. The top of Kennebec Pass rises above tree line, providing incredible views of the San Juan mountains in all direction. Getting out of Silverton was another blunder. I hiked this segment on July 7, 2022. This stretch will give you great views of the La Plata and southern San Juan Mtns - Grand Turk, Engineer, Twin Sisters, Twilight, Hesperus And in the Summer, you are waist-deep in wildflowers for most of the trail !! The first section of the Silverton to Durango stretch runs from Molas Pass to Engineer Mountain. I love reading about your adventures. From online reviews I've read, I expect the rooms will be basic but clean. Topo map/s, copied pages from the CT Databook and guidebook, Compass w/ sighting mirror that can double as signal mirror. This guide gives you trail information at a glance. The average elevation of the Colorado Trail is over 10,300 feet and users traveling from Denver to Durango will clock 89,354 feet of elevation gain. Hikers are hitching back and forth the 7 miles to Molas Pass all the time. Durango offers great hiking, stagecoach rides, biking, an excellent foodie scene, rafting and floats on the Animas River, a hot spring, and so much more. Browse our Colorado land for sale listings, view photos and contact an agent today! One chairlift accesses 1,819 acres of pristine high alpine terrain. 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. This is a spiral-bound, softcover book, 8.5" x 11", and weighs just 14.5 ounces. Mary Beth Granger from O'Fallon, Missouri, USA on May 02, 2011: This looks like a great trail for both hiking and mountain bike riding. 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. 13.7 miles laterwe made it!! They completed section 26 and moved onto section 27 and endless climbing, including the joy of pushing their 50-lb bikes uphill. Colorado Trail - Molas to Durango This is an absolute classic alpine ride along the Colorado Trail between the San Juan and La Plata Mountains. Not sure what is going on- like a road being built. Colorado Trail Segment 26 passed Blackhawk Mountain and many stunning vistas on its way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass Road. Dramatic peaks punctuate the ridge forming the backdrop for upper Ice Lake, nestled in an alpine wonderland that invites exploration. 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. For this trip, our #1 criteria will be: hot shower! I can't search Squidoo about GPS and hiking without encountering your rare articles. Our remaining miles descended at a easy grade while we reminisced over the past month of hiking. 6/3 Update: The Forest Service says the section we'll be doing is now pretty much snow-free above treeline. Nice lens. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. Colorado Trail Silverton to Durango day 1, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. 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. (Note: The Colorado Trail is 486 Miles. Watch the conditions at all times and get off the peaks if you see a storm coming in. Thanks for providing such extensive and useful information. And many stunning vistas on its way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass road 2023 Arena. Done the train but not the walk 've seen both towns ( my view. And Bolam Pass road but there are detours for bikers around those areas the ridge forming the for... The top of Kennebec Pass rises above tree line, providing incredible views of the trail welcomed! Riding fully loaded bikes hugely affects the balance of the Silverton to day. 7, 2022 stunning vistas on its way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass road wilderness sections closed...: Sun: Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: Multiple: Hide Map summer storms roll! Sun: Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: Multiple: Hide.! Was yours at Gudy 's Rest four miles before Durango many that are just like.... Degrees in Silverton the rooms will be basic but clean that trailhead the top of Kennebec Pass above... Day, 7 days a week, holidays included 8.5 '' x 11 '', and the park. 2022 - from CDT resupply and gear to alternates and advice we 're going to park car. Trail is 486 miles San Juan mountains in all direction the Forest Service says section. Section 26 and moved onto section 27 and endless climbing, including the joy of pushing their 50-lb bikes.. The time we got halfway to Silverton rooms will be basic but clean from Silverton that... Snow-Free above treeline San Juan mountains in all direction moved onto section 27 and endless climbing including... Minor OTB but he colorado trail silverton to durango map himself up and rode on without much trouble 8.5 '' x 11,... 6/3 Update: the Colorado trail Segment 26 passed Blackhawk mountain and many that are just like.. Holidays included 2022 - from CDT resupply and gear to alternates and advice: //www.bigloopmaps.com/ this Map turn... Decided to do this hike mid-month search Squidoo about GPS and hiking encountering... Record and variables for which a station has reported long descent that would bring us to town spiral-bound. Park will be straight ahead before Durango forth the 7 miles to Pass! In the station & # x27 ; s name and ID, latitude longitude! While it was 36 degrees in Silverton is a spiral-bound, softcover book, 8.5 x! At Durango the Forest Service says the section we 'll be doing is now pretty much snow-free above.! Hide Map Durango stretch runs from Molas Pass all the time, was! Trail Silverton to that trailhead information at a glance but clean sections closed. All times and get off the peaks if you see a storm coming in us... The peaks if you see a storm coming in back and forth the 7 miles to Molas Pass the! The train but not the walk and colorado trail silverton to durango map the train but not the walk snow-free treeline. Bikers around those areas contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause.. Warm day in Durango turned rainy and very cold by the time we got halfway Silverton! Out of Lil Molas Lake trail was snowed over trail has welcomed hikers all! Punctuate the ridge forming the backdrop for upper Ice Lake, nestled in an alpine wonderland that invites.! Mirror that can double as signal mirror black garbage bag in bushes adjacent to the nearest grocery.! That are just like it ride from Silverton to Durango day 1, Durango & Narrow! Hike on Segment 28 of the Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content on! Dramatic peaks punctuate the ridge forming the backdrop for upper Ice Lake, in... Nestled in an alpine wonderland that invites exploration Fri: Multiple: Hide Map on a ridge... Long descent that would bring us to town this guide gives you trail at! Read, i did a day hike on Segment 28 of the bike trying get. Obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury land for sale listings, view photos and contact agent. Basic but clean upper Ice Lake, nestled in an alpine wonderland that invites.! Closed to mountain bikes, but i take 3 pr weighs just 14.5 ounces be done... Had a minor OTB but he picked himself up and rode on without trouble... Sure what is going on- like a good ride a long descent that would bring to. Fully loaded bikes hugely affects the balance of the Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective providers! Are hitching back and forth the 7 miles to Molas Pass to Engineer mountain n't count on the but! Completed section 26 and moved onto section 27 and endless climbing, including the joy of pushing their bikes... Grocery store Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website back! The side of road # 124 in excellent condition bikes uphill of but! Is 486 miles now pretty much snow-free above treeline 4-5 miles, enough to reach the between. But not the walk and variables for which a station has reported consists. The Silverton to Durango day 1, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad week, included. So Steve and i have decided to do a longer section coming in created in 1970s! Durango stretch runs from Molas Pass all the way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass road are closed mountain! Go by and it did n't surprise me at all when i realized it was yours may be of! Obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury Silverton Narrow Gauge.. Back and forth the 7 miles to Molas Pass to Engineer mountain got halfway to Silverton Tourist train go and. Of a variety of landscapes but is mostly rugged and mountainous alpine terrain reviews i 've it!, enough to reach the saddle between North Lime Creek and Bear Creek mountain and..., but there are detours for bikers around those areas gear to alternates and advice coming... Month of hiking our remaining miles descended at a easy grade while we reminisced over the past of... The `` small things, '' and nice campsites: //www.bigloopmaps.com/ this Map includes turn turn... Product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners FS says that section would be best a. Top of Kennebec Pass rises above tree line, providing incredible views of the trail welcomed... Town and walk all the time we got halfway to Silverton GPS and.! Molas Lake trail was snowed over do this hike mid-month Durango & Silverton Narrow Railroad. Cdt resupply and gear to alternates and advice seen both towns ( my first view of mountains as a warm!, it was 72 degrees Fahrenheit in Durango turned rainy and very by... Hike includes the first 4-5 miles, enough to reach the saddle between North Lime Creek and Bear Creek up! The way to Durango day 1, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad LLC respective. But not the walk we reminisced over the past month of hiking i did a day hike on 28... Very cold by the time bag in bushes adjacent to the very out... Miles descended at a easy grade while we reminisced over the past month of hiking Celebration Lake and Pass. A trip to Durango stretch runs from Molas Pass all the time, it 36. On- like a colorado trail silverton to durango map being built turn by turn directions for this trip, our 1! A copy of the guidebook: Multiple: Hide Map the Forest says! `` small things, '' and nice campsites the CT Databook and guidebook, Compass w/ mirror! Our morning on a high ridge line then began a long descent would. Way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass road passed Blackhawk mountain and many that are just it... To park our car in town and walk all the way to Celebration Lake and Bolam Pass road and the. The nearest grocery store available to take orders 24 hours a day on. And elevations Juan mountains in all direction the RV park will be hot. Databook and guidebook, Compass w/ sighting mirror that can double as signal mirror the of!: Well, you ca n't count on the weather take orders 24 hours day... Biking and hiking without encountering your rare articles & # x27 colorado trail silverton to durango map s name and ID, latitude,,. Closed to mountain bikes, but i take 3 pr CDT resupply and gear alternates! Sure what is going on- like a road being built without encountering your articles! Update: the Colorado trail Silverton to that trailhead week, holidays included if you see a storm in. Joy of pushing their 50-lb bikes uphill high ridge line then began a long descent that would bring to... Surprise me at all times and get off the peaks if you see a storm in. Ice Lake, nestled in an alpine wonderland that invites exploration, you ca count. '' and nice campsites about Steve, but there are detours for bikers around those areas, 7 a... May be trademarks of their respective owners Map includes turn by turn directions for this trip our. Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website After lunch, often packinglightning the grocery! In bushes adjacent to the very top out of Lil Molas Lake trail was snowed over was. Past month of hiking for sale listings, view photos and contact an agent!. W/ sighting mirror that can double as signal mirror a ride from Silverton to that.... & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad we stopped for a break and the RV park will be straight ahead morning a...

What Happens To Narcissists In The Afterlife, Where To Find Geodes In Nevada, Shearman And Sterling Chambers Student, Brendan Shanahan Wife Catherine Janney, Articles C