Trail Conditions
Colorado Trail Conditions
Last Updated: OCTOBER 27, 2022
Visit San Juan National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov) for all up-to-date trail and road conditions.
Trails:
- Alta Lakes & Ghost Town – CLOSED
- 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 – CLOSED
- 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 – CLOSED
- 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 – CLOSED
- The tallest waterfall in the state, a must-see.
- Brown Mountain – CLOSED
- Brown Mountain is a three mile long ridgeline that rises to the East of Ironton Park
- California Gulch – CLOSED
- Lake Como (Uncompahgre headwaters), high elevation rolling trail
- Cinnamon Pass – CLOSED
- Improved CR connecting Lake City to Silverton
- Corkscrew Gulch – CLOSED
- One of the best trails/views in SW Colorado
- County Road 110 – CLOSED
- North of Silverton, improved CR to access Hurricane & Corkscrew
- East Dallas Creek – CLOSED
- Travel 10 miles down this CR to access Blue Lakes trailhead. Beautiful
- Engineer Pass – CLOSED
- 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 – CLOSED
- Couple this with Corkscrew and California for an unforgettable day!
- Imogene Pass – CLOSED
- Last Dollar Road – OPEN
- Wildflower, stream crossings, baby elk/deer, and extensive views
- Last Plata Canyon – CLOSED
- Owl Creek Pass – CLOSED
- Steep and rocky as it winds up to the Gunnison county line and Silver-jack Reservoir.
- Ophir Pass – CLOSED
- 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 – CLOSED (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 – CLOSED
- South Mineral Springs – CLOSED
- Tomboy Ghost Town – CLOSED
- 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 – CLOSED
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!