Dutch Creek Trail

From access #1, the Dutch Creek Trail starts high and ends low. For the first few miles basically it follows a ridgeline at 10,000 ft. Within 3.5 miles, the trail tops out in open meadows with wide-ranging views to both the east and west. To the west, one can see out over the width of the Hermosa country for a clear view of the La Platas. To the east, one can see the Needle Mountains. Coming down off the ridge, the trail becomes obscure in places, dropping down into Stag Draw. Within two miles, the trail intercepts Dutch Creek and an accessible water supply. Grassy hillsides and a few, fairly open parks along Dutch Creek have the best campsites. Once the trail breaks off at Dutch Creek, access to either water or grazing becomes limited.

1)Elbert Creek Road (FDR #581) above DMR, accessible from Hermosa Park Road (FDR #578) off U.S. 550, 26 miles north of Durango, just north of DMR entrance. Follow road to first major turn-off and take a left (FDR #581). Follow FDR #581 just over 8 miles to the trailhead.

2)Take Hwy. 550 north 10 miles to Hermosa, turn west on C.R. #201, and keep right. The road will become FDR #576. Follow for about 3 miles. The trailhead, on the north side of the road, has adequate parking.