Coal Creek Trail (#677)

The Coal Creek Trail climbs up through fairly steep terrain, passing through a predominantly coniferous forest. There are occasional breaks in the trees that offer scenic views of the West Needles. The last section of the trail is blaze-posted to make it visible as it crosses swampy terrain. The trail never comes close to Coal Creek. All water obtained in the area should be purified, to prevent problems with Giardia. The Coal Creek

1)Take U.S. 550 for approximately 37 miles north of Durango. Park in the dirt pullout just past the first hairpin turn after Coal Bank Pass. The trail leads uphill from the north side of the road. A sign marks the Coal Creek trailhead.

2)Access to this trail is also available from the Engineer Mountain Trail.