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Trail Conditions

Colorado Trail Conditions

Last Updated: July 1, 2023

Visit San Juan National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov) for all up-to-date trail and road conditions.

 

Trails:

 

  • Alta Lakes & Ghost Town – OPEN
    • Alta Ghost town halfway is a must-do. Three (3) high alpine crystal-clear lakes lay at the end of the Alta trails. Camp, fish & release, or picnic​
  • Ames Historical Power-plant/ Ilium Road – OPEN
    • The first DC power in the country, powering mining operations and the first streetlights in the country, Tellurides! Also leads to the beautiful Mystic Falls trail.​​ 
  • Animas Forks – OPEN
    • Historical ghost town perched north of Silverton, get out and take a walk​
  • Black Bear Pass – CLOSED Off-limits to Diff. Vehicles
    • Most difficult trail in Colorado, off-limits to rentals, one-way travel downhill only​.
  • Bridal Veil Falls – OPEN
    • The tallest waterfall in the state, a must-see.
  • Brown Mountain – OPEN
    • Brown Mountain is a three mile long ridgeline that rises to the East of Ironton Park
  • California Gulch OPEN
    • Lake Como (Uncompahgre headwaters), high elevation rolling trail​
  • Cinnamon Pass OPEN
    • Improved CR connecting Lake City to Silverton​
  • Corkscrew Gulch OPEN
    • One of the best trails/views in SW Colorado​
  • County Road 110 – OPEN
    • North of Silverton, improved CR to access Hurricane & Corkscrew
  • East Dallas Creek – OPEN
    • Travel 10 miles down this CR to access Blue Lakes trailhead. Beautiful
  • Engineer Pass – OPEN
    • Difficult trail, access to Lake City, rough and slow going​
  • Fall Creek Rd / Woods Lake – OPEN
    • Beautiful drive, lower elevation mean higher temps, pristine fishing lake
  • Hurricane Pass – OPEN
    • Couple this with Corkscrew and California for an unforgettable day!​
  • Imogene Pass OPEN
    • The most popular and all-encompassing in the area. Elevation at the summit is 13,114′. Travel time is 3-5 hours connecting Telluride to Ouray. Tunnels, streams, wildflowers, basins, ghost towns, active mines, and more await you on this adventure!​
  • Last Dollar Road – OPEN
    • Wildflower, stream crossings, baby elk/deer, and extensive views​
  • Last Plata Canyon – OPEN
  • Owl Creek Pass – OPEN
    • Steep and rocky as it winds up to the Gunnison county line and Silver-jack Reservoir. ​
  • Ophir PassCLOSED
    • Elevation of 11,789′ with a shelf road on the northwest side. 90 minutes to travel and provides easy access from Telluride to Hwy 550 near Silverton
  • Poughkeepsie Gulch– CLOSED Off-limits to Diff. Vehicles
  • Rim Rocker Trail – OPEN (the City of Montrose to CO state line)
    • Overlanders…this is the newest trail to travel. 160 miles of dirt, 2 days travel in a Jeep or more.​
  • Silver-Jack Reservoir – OPEN
  • South Mineral Springs – OPEN
  • Tomboy Ghost Town – OPEN
  • Trout Lake – OPEN (accessible by highway)
    • Looking to relax with a kayak or SUP on the water…this is the ultimate!
  • West Dallas Creek – OPEN
    • Photographers paradise especially for fall colors
  • Yankee Boy Basin – OPEN
    • Beautiful basin at the base of Mt Sneffles (14er), wildflowers, waterfalls​

 

Ghost Towns:

 

  • Tomboy Mine OPEN
  • Alta Ghost Town OPEN

 

Waterfalls:

 

  • Bridal Veil Falls OPEN
  • Yankee Boy Basin Twin Waterfalls OPEN
  • Cornet Creek Falls OPEN
  • Mystic Falls – OPEN

Paved Highways – Scenic Drives The most up to date information about road conditions, closures and cameras can be found at the CDOT website www.cotrip.org

 

  • Million Dollar Highway / America’s Scenic Byway: Single-lane road over high mountain passes connecting the historical mining/mountain towns of Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, Durango, and Dolores. Travel time is 5-7 hours for the entire loop. 236 Miles. Incredible history, restaurants, train rides, Mesa Verde national park, and window shopping along the way.

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  • National Park – Black Canyon of the Gunnison: From Montrose take highway 50 east 13 miles, turn onto Highway 347 for 14 miles. The Gunnison River has eroded rock for over a million years forming one of the deepest, steeped, and narrowest canyons in the country. We recommend a stop at the visitors center to get you started.

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  • Gateway Canyon: Hwy 141. Stop at the famous Discovery Channel owner’s car museum, restaurant or stay at their hotel. Scenic overlooks and single-lane road along highway 141 will simply amaze. Travel time 2 hours each way from Telluride or Montrose

 

CAUTION:

Conditions change very rapidly at elevation, be careful of the weather this time of year. Trails may be covered in snow/ice/slush causing it to be slick or washed out, even if listed as open. Never travel on snow or ice. Turn back before ruining a good day and enjoy another trail. Follow all safety procedures, and please don’t go beyond your comfort level or vehicle’s capability!

Always go into the back-country with another vehicle and plenty of water, food and layers of clothing!  Sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera are a must!