Basics
- Location:
- North of Durango
- Length:
- 16 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 8 to 9.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 10800 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 400 feet
- Season:
- Summer - Fall
Description
Trail #507 (now COLORADO TRAIL)
This trail ascends two high mountain passes, thus affording excellent views and good opportunities for photography. Grizzly Peak, Rolling Mountain, and Graysill Mountain are all accessible from the Rico/Silverton Trail, providing mountain-climbing possibilities for those interested. The trail rises above timberline on two occasions, but for the most part winds through a subalpine, coniferous forest. The alpine meadows above timberline typically abound with wildflowers at the end of July and in August. Water and campsites are easily found in this area. Water in this area should be filtered, to prevent problems with Giardia.
Columbine Lake is rated good for brook trout. Cascade Creek is rated fair for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.
Details
Location:
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Change:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
1)Take U.S. 550 north of Silverton for about 2 miles and turn onto the South Mineral Rd. (FDR #585) Follow this dirt road past the campground roughly 2 miles to the Bandora Mine. Turn left slightly before the mine and follow the road across the creek. 2WD with good clearance should be adequate. Limited parking is available.
2) Take U.S. 550 30 miles north of Durango to FDR #578 and go 16 miles on this road until you reach the trailhead. Limited parking is available. 4WD or strong 2WD with good clearance may be required to reach this trailhead, located at the Columbine Lake access point, not quite as far as Bolam Pass.
