A fully redesigned Go-Colorado.com will launch soon. Watch for it!
Endlich Mesa Trail To Crystal Valley City Reservoir

 

Home Destinations Skiing Activities Lodging Camping Sightseeing Books & Maps Gear




Go-Colorado.com Store
Hiking and Camping Gear
Camp / Hike Gear

Go Back a Page


Endlich Mesa Trail To Crystal Valley City Reservoir

Much of this trail is on high mesas above or just below tree line. Water is sometimes scarce. The trail climbs and descends often, with spectacular views in good weather. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly, bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail at any time of year. Plan accordingly.

The Endlich Mesa Trail passes several old mines. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. This area provides excellent views and photographic possibilities.

Fishing Considerations:

Between Lemon and City Reservoir brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout are found. Most of these wild fish are in the 6-to-10-inch range, with larger trout in the more difficult to reach pools. Above City Reservoir, the cutthroats replace the brown trout. The fish in the upper area of the Florida are all small. No special regulations are in effect. Little Lake, Castilleja Lakes, Marie Lake, and City Reservoir are rated good for cutthroat. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc.



 The Basics

Location: Northeast of Durango
Setting: Mountainous
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 12 mile roundtrip
Elevation: 1,100 feet
Trailhead Elevation: 11,600 feet
Time to Allow: 6 to 8 hours
Season: Summer - Fall
Visitor Use:
Map: USGS Quads: Lemon Reservoir, Vallecito Reservoir


 Directions to Trailhead

Travel east from Durango on Florida Road (CR #240) to the junction with CR #243, which goes to Lemon Reservoir. Continue north past the reservoir for 5.5 miles until you reach FS#597, a logging road. Take the logging road 9.5 miles to its end at the trailhead. This road is very rough but does not require 4WD.






Copyright 1998 - 2009