Colorado Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

Pine River Trail to Emerald Lake

Basics
Location:
Northeast of Durango
Setting:
Mountainous
Length:
20 mile roundtrip
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
10 to 12 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
8000 feet
Elevation Change:
2000 feet
Season:
Summer - Fall

Description

Trail #'s 523 & 528

The Pine River Trail begins through a private gate next to Granite Peaks Ranch. Please stay on the trail, and camping is prohibited until you reach the Wilderness boundary. Aspens, ponderosa pines, and conifers are in abundance along the trail as you follow the Pine (or Piños) River east.

-The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail. At mile 6.3 the Lake Fork Trail turns off to the north. A moderate climb, interspersed with flat meadows, takes you to Emerald Lakes at 10 miles. Within ¼ mile south of the lakes to ½ mile north of the lakes, camping, campfires, and grazing or tethering stock are not allowed, except in designated sites. There are only 8 sites.

The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. There are excellent views and photographic possibilities. Water can be found off the trail in most of the tributaries, but, due to Giardia, it should be filtered. 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.

Fishing Considerations:

The Pine River is not accessible for the first 2.5 miles of trail, but fishing for trout above the Wilderness boundary is excellent. The Pine River is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Please check the fishing regulations regarding limits, allowable lures, and restrictions on certain lakes, rivers, etc.

Details

Location:
Northeast of Durango
Setting:
Mountainous
Length:
20 mile roundtrip
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
10 to 12 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
8000
Elevation Change:
2000
Season:
Summer - Fall
Useful Map(s):
USGS Quads: Granite Peak, Emerald Lake

Map + Directions

Basic Directions

1)From Bayfield, head north on County Road (CR) #501, also called the Vallecito Road. Take that road north 22 miles around Vallecito Lake.Turn left on the Pine River turnoff – FS #602. Take the road 3.8 miles to the Pine River Campground.

)2 From Durango, head north on Florida Road (CR #240) for 14 miles. Continue on CR #240 for 2 miles past the turnoff for Lemon Reservoir. Turn north onto CR #501. Take that road north 12 miles around Vallecito Lake. Turn left on the Pine River turnoff – FS #602. Take the road 3.8 miles to the Pine River Campground.


Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guides below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Durango. More Visitor Guides are available in Colorado. Click here to view them all!

Farmington Farmington Farmington
Northwestern New MexicoNorthwestern New Mexico is known by many as a magical place. Four Corners and the local Aztec Ruins are considered sacred ground for some and are fascinating to visit.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Ski Utah Ski Utah Ski Utah
Utah
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.