Pass Creek Trail

Pass Creek Trail is the quickest access to Engineer Mountain. It climbs above the highway, up moderate switchbacks. From there, it’s a gradual climb up to the base of Engineer Mountain. Much of the trail is on the heavily timbered northern aspect of the mountain, where patches of snow often linger over the trail until mid-summer. Toward the top, the trail breaks out of the timber into some beautiful alpine meadows at the base of Engineer Mountain. There is a trail north toward Jura Knob. A loop trip could be planned including the Coal or Deer Creek Trails. Water availability is good, but should be filtered, to avoid problems with Giardia.

1)Drive about 30 miles north of Durango on U.S. 550, to just past the pull-off area on top of Coal Bank Pass. To reach the parking area, turn at Pass Creek Trail, Engineer Mountain and trailhead sign.

2) Some 30 miles north of Durango on U.S. 550, turn left at Engineer Mountain Trailhead. Follow this trail 5 miles to intersect with the Pass Creek Trail at the base of Engineer Mountain.