Molas Trail

This trail is pleasant to walk down, but walking up is work. Fortunately, there are other options, such as the Elk Creek Trail and the D. & S.N.G. train. The first part of the trail gently descends through some pretty meadows next to the creek. This section of the trail offers excellent views of the Grenadiers and Needles. The trail then begins to drop sharply down the 1,500-ft. descent to the Animas River. All water should be purified, due to problems with Giardia.

Rated good for rainbow and brook trout.

1)46 miles north of Durango on U.S. 550 and about 1 mile north of Molas Pass, turn east into the Molas Lake access road. Plenty of parking is available at the trailhead.

2)Access to this trail is also available from the Elk Creek Trail.