Trails of the Dolores Ranger District (for more information:
[970] 882-7296)
Near the Priest Gulch trailhead.
Photo by Tom Harris, San Juan NF.
The Transfer Recreation Area
Map:
Transfer Recreation Area
The Transfer Recreation Area, which includes a campground, picnic area,
scenic overlook, and large corral for overnight stock, is also the hub
for several trailheads. Included are the Big Al, West Mancos, Transfer,
Rim, Chicken Creek, Morrison, and the Aspen Loop ATV trail. Access the
Transfer Recreation area from the West Mancos Road (FDR 561), approximately
11 miles northeast of Mancos. The campground turnoff will be off to the
right. See the map [link above] for more information.
Big Al Trail (FST 630)
Just past the scenic-overlook pullout, once you have made the right turn
off of 561, the Big Al Trail is a ½-mile, surfaced, barrier-free
trail leading to a deck that offers dramatic views of West Mancos Canyon
and the La Plata Mountains. This trail is closed to bikes, horses, and
motorized vehicles.
Interpretive signs along the way point out flora and fauna; there are
benches, making this an ideal hiking venue for small children and seniors,
or for just taking a leisurely stroll from the adjacent campground. Don’t
forget your camera!
West Mancos and Transfer Trails
West Mancos Trail (FST 621)
Starting elevation: 8,900 ft. (Transfer Recreation Area)
Ending elevation: 10,900 ft. (Sharkstooth Trailhead)
Trail length one way: 10 miles
Maps: See Transfer Recreation Area (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½' maps: Rampart Hills, La Plata
Difficulty: moderate
Next to the Big Al Trailhead is the West Mancos and Transfer Trailhead.
These trails share one trail for the first ½ mile. The trail
immediately drops down into the West Mancos River Canyon via several
switchbacks. After about ½ mile the trail splits, with the West
Mancos continuing up river, and the Transfer trail heading down river.
Due to the steep nature of the upper portion of this trail, it can be
very tricky in wet conditions and, if using this trail in early spring,
be aware of downed trees and the trail sloughing off in places. Be especially
careful if you are on horseback.
The West Mancos Trail continues upstream on the west side of the canyon
before dropping to the West Mancos River level, then climbs steeply
to Horsefly Flat, an open, grassy area. The trail ends at the Sharkstooth
Trailhead, at the base of Hesperus Peak.
See more information [PDF, one page,
44 KB] about the West Mancos Trail and two maps:
Transfer Trail
Starting elevation: 8,900 ft. (Transfer Recreation Area)
Ending elevation: 8,250 ft. (merges with Box Canyon Trail #617)
Trail Length one-way: @1.5 miles
Maps: See Transfer Recreation Area (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½' map: Rampart Hills
Difficulty: moderate
The Transfer Trail winds down to the West Mancos River and heads downstream
until it intersects with the Box Canyon Trail. If you want to make a
loop hike you can head uphill on the Box Canyon Trail and pick up the
Rim Trail, which is located above the Box Canyon Trailhead. The length
of this loop is approximately 3 miles. (The Box Canyon Trailhead is
located on the West Mancos Road, one-mile south of Transfer CG.)
Rim Trail (FST 613)
Starting elevation: 8,900 ft. (Transfer Recreation Area)
Ending elevation: 8,200 ft. (trail merges with the Box Canyon Trail #617,
and then intersects the Chicken Creek Trail)
Trail Length one way: 3 miles
Maps: See Transfer Recreation Area (link above), SJNF map, USGS
7½' map: Rampart Hills
Difficulty: moderate
The trailhead is at the West Mancos Overlook, on the right side of the
road as you take the Transfer Campground turnoff from FDR 561. The trail
begins by dropping slightly below the rim of the canyon and traverses
the rim until it joins up with the Box Canyon Trail access road. From
there you must continue down the Box Canyon Trail access road toward the
canyon rim until you pick up the trail again, which traverses along the
top of the rim to Doc Lowell Flats. Follow the two–track road out
and across the West Mancos Road, and pick up the trail again on the other
side. The trail will wind down into Chicken Creek and intersect with the
Chicken Creek Trail #615.
Aspen Loop ATV Trail
The Aspen Loop Trail is a multipurpose trail constructed by the San
Juan National Forest and the Four Corners Trail Club. The trail is open
to ATVs, motorized trail bikes, horseback riders, hikers, and mountain
bikers. This 39-mile loop trail was designated as an ATV trail to accommodate
motorized recreation enthusiasts. The parking lot is designed as a turnaround
to accommodate trailer parking. For more information and a brochure on
the trail, contact the Dolores Public Lands Office at (970) 882-7296 or
drop by our office at 100 North Sixth Street, in Dolores.
Box Canyon Trail (FST 617)
Starting elevation: 8,720 ft. (West Mancos Road [FDR #561])
Ending elevation: 9,185 ft. (Golconda and West Mancos Trail)
Trail Length one way: 5.8 miles
Maps: See Transfer Recreation Area (link above), SJNF map, USGS
7½’ map: Rampart Hills
Difficulty: moderate
The Box Canyon Trailhead is on the West Mancos Rd (#561), roughly 1
mile south of Transfer. There is parking available at the trailhead. The
trail drops immediately down into the West Mancos River Canyon via several
switchbacks. After about ¾ mile the trail crosses the West Mancos
River, then starts climbing the opposite canyon wall, heading downstream
to Box Canyon Creek. The trail makes a turn up the Box Canyon Creek and
tops out on the Echo Basin Side. The trail continues to Gray Beal Springs,
then turns into an old (now closed) jeep trail that crosses the mesa,
passing the Box Canyon and Slate Reservoirs before dropping into Deer
Lick Creek. Follow the trail (also an old, closed jeep trail) down to
the West Mancos River. Cross the river and head upstream (to your right),
paralleling an allotment fence until you reach a gate. As soon as you
go through the gate you will see the West Mancos Trail and you will be
at Golconda (the location of an old post office and supply store that
serviced miners in the late 1800s/early 1900s).
Coyote Park Trail
For an alternative hike using the Box Canyon Trail, cross Box Canyon
Creek, and climb up the south side of Box Canyon. It will take you up
to Coyote Park. Come through the meadow and there will be a closure gate
to your left. Forest Road 329 is behind the gate. Head up the 329 road
and turn right on FDR # 331, which will take you to T-Down corrals and
the Echo Basin Road (FDR #566).
Across from Transfer Campground
The Morrison and Chicken Creek trails both terminate (or begin, if your
journey starts here) across from the Transfer Campground on the west side
of the West Mancos Road (FDR 561), just north of the Transfer Corrals.
The trails are joined for about one-half mile from the West Mancos Road
to the Chicken Creek drainage.
Chicken Creek Trail (FST 615)
Starting Elevation: - 7,900 ft. (Mancos State Park)
Ending Elevation: 8,900 ft. (Transfer)
Trail Length one way: 7.8 miles
Maps: Transfer Recreation Area (link above), SJNF map, USGS
7½' maps: Rampart Hills & Wallace Ranch
Difficulty: moderate
The actual trailhead for Chicken Creek is at Mancos State Park, seven
miles south of Transfer Recreation area. Keep in mind there is a fee
if you park your vehicle at the Mancos State Park. Beginning on the
north shore of Jackson Gulch Reservoir, the trail crosses over the top
of a small mesa and drops into Chicken Creek. From there, the trail
faithfully follows the creek bed for 7.5 miles before merging with the
Morrison trail.
If you want to loop back to your vehicle, you can turn right when you
meet the Morrison Trail and climb out of Chicken Creek toward Transfer
Recreation Area. Cross the West Mancos Road (FDR 561) and pick up the
Rim Trail at the West Mancos Overlook. The Rim Trail eventually merges
with the lower end of the Chicken Creek Trail; take a left (south) and
follow the trail back to Mancos State Park. This is approximately a
sixteen-mile loop.
Morrison Trail (FST 610)
Starting Elevation: 7,960 ft. (Highway 145, Bear Creek)
Ending Elevation: 8,900 ft. (Transfer)
Trail Length one way: 9.25 miles
Maps: See Transfer Recreation Area (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½' maps: Rampart Hills & Wallace Ranch
Difficulty: Moderate
The Morrison Trail is now reached via the new Bear Creek Trailhead.
From Dolores on Highway 145, travel east for 22 miles. The trailhead
is clearly marked on the highway, and begins about 1/4 mile east (upstream)
from the confluence of Bear Creek and the Dolores River.
Beginning on the Bear Creek trail, the Morrison Trail junction is ¼
mile from the trailhead. The trail climbs out of the Dolores River valley
and tops the Haycamp Mesa in 2 ¼ miles at 9785 ft. The trail
crosses Rock Springs Road (FDR #556), and then descends into Lost Canyon,
where it also crosses the Lost Canyon Road (FDR #560). The trail climbs
out of Lost Canyon, then gradually drops down in the Chicken Creek drainage
and meets up with the Chicken Creek Trail. You can either turn left
(east) and climb out of Chicken Creek to Transfer, or continue on down
the Chicken Creek Trail.
Upper Dolores Trails
Map
1 — North of Dolores
Bring your fishing pole: Many of these trails take you into some of the
best fishing streams in the state. Rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook
trout are easily enticed by artificial flies in these crystal-clear backcountry
brooks. The fish range from pan-size in the high mountain streams to sixteen
inches in the Dolores River catch-and–release area. Bear, Fish,
and Stoner creeks, and the Dolores, West Dolores, and West Mancos rivers,
are all good fishing streams.
Fish Creek Trail (FST 647)
Staring elevation: 8,190 ft. (West Fork Road, FDR 535)
Ending elevation: 10,150 ft. (FDR 404)
Trail length one way: 9.5 miles
Maps: See Map 1— North of Dolores (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7 ½' maps: Clyde Lake, Groundhog Mountain
Difficulty: moderate
This trail is reached from the West Fork Road (FDR 535) by turning onto
FDR 726 (through the Fish Creek Ranch gate) and continuing another 1½
miles to the Fish Creek State Wildlife Area. The first 1½ miles
of the trail follows Fish Creek,and takes you to National Forest land.
After the trail crosses Little Fish Creek, it begins to skirt Black Mesa.
It is a consistent, gentle climb around to Willow Creek, which flows in
from the east, with the trail swinging around to the north to the 8½-mile
mark. From there, the trail climbs out of the canyon, up the side of Black
Mesa, to FDR #404, which will take you to FDR #611 and Dunton. As the
name implies, there is usually good trout fishing in Fish Creek.
Stoner Mesa Trail (FST 624) and Stoner Creek
Trail (FST 625)
Starting elevation: 7,560 ft. (Lower Stoner Trailhead)
Ending elevation: 11,650 ft. (Calico Trail)
Trail length one way: 17.5 mi.
Maps: See Map 1— North of Dolores (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½' maps: Stoner, Nipple Mountain, Clyde Lake, Rico.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
The Stoner Mesa Trail (#624) starts across the West Fork of the Dolores
River from the Lower Stoner Trailhead on the West Fork Road (FDR 535),
about three miles from the Highway 145 turnoff. The trail immediately
climbs the mesa side and tops out at 8,700 ft. within the first two miles.
It then climbs steadily northeast for ten miles, where it meets the Twin
Springs Trail (#739) at Twin Springs. At this point you are above 9,800
ft. and you can choose to go over the top of the mountain ahead on the
Stoner Mesa Trail or you can skirt the mountain to the east and join the
Stoner Creek Trail. The Stoner Mesa Trail continues 2.5 miles, over the
mountain and back down to a valley. Then it’s a fairly steep climb
for almost three miles to an elevation of 11,600 ft., where you circle
12,113-ft. Eagle Peak and arrive at the Calico Trail (#641) crossing between
Eagle Peak and Calico Peak.
The Stoner Creek Trail (#625) breaks away from the Stoner Mesa Trail
at Twin Springs and drops into Stoner Canyon. It is not recommended to
go beyond the junction with the Spring Creek Trail, which is 1¼
miles down the trail once you reach the bottom of Stoner Creek. The lower
Stoner Creek Trail is not maintained, and there is no outlet across private
land at the bottom end.
Spring Creek Trail
This hike gives you an opportunity to see some beautiful, remote country
and takes you on top of Taylor Mesa, where you can terminate your trip
on FDR #547. This will add an additional 2.3 miles to your trip from the
bottom of Stoner Creek.
Priest Gulch Trails (FST 645 & 201)
Starting elevation: 8,050 ft. (Priest Gulch Trailhead, Highway 145, across
from the Priest Gulch campground)
Highest elevation: 12,150 ft (Sockrider Peak)
Ending elevation: 11,320 ft. (junction with Calico Trail)
Trail length one way: 7.5 miles
Maps: See Map 1— North of Dolores (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½' maps: Wallace Ranch, Clyde Lake, Rico, Dolores Peak
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Directions to trailhead: From Dolores on Highway 145, travel northeast
23 miles. The trailhead is clearly marked on the north side of the highway;
the turn is next to a private driveway.
For a five-mile loop, take the Priest Gulch Cutoff Trail #201 at mile
1.5, which will take you up (it is steep!) to the lower portion of the
Calico Trail and back down to the Priest Gulch Trailhead.
As the trail climbs alongside the Priest Gulch drainage, it passes through
lush meadows and a forest of spruce, fir, and aspen. This trail intersects
with the Calico Trail around mile 7.5. For a sixteen-mile loop hike, take
the lower portion of the Calico Trail back to the Priest Gulch Trailhead.
If on horseback, be aware the final stretch of the lower portion of the
Calico Trail is very steep as it drops down into the Dolores River Canyon.
See more information about, and maps of, the Priest
Gulch and Lower Calico Trails [PDF, 3 pages, 8.00 MB].
Calico Trails (FST 208 & 649)
Starting elevation: 10,500 ft. (Calico Trailhead, FDR 471 near the Meadows)
Highest elevation: 12,150 ft. (Sockrider Peak)
Ending elevation: 8,050 ft. (Priest Gulch Trailhead)
Trail length one way: 19.2 miles
Maps: See Map 1— North of Dolores (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7 ½'maps: Wallace Ranch, Clyde Lake, Rico, Dolores Peak
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Directions to the Upper Calico Trailhead: From Dolores on Highway 145,
travel east 43 miles, and take the north end of the West Fork Road (FDR
535) turnoff, which is across the highway from Cayton Campground (7 miles
north of Rico). The road switchbacks out of the Dolores River Canyon for
several miles, then turns south on the Eagle Creek Road (FDR 471). The
trailhead is about one mile down this road.
The Calico Trail comprises two sections, upper and lower. A loop hike
is possible using the upper portion, which is also a designated National
Recreation Trail (NRT). Starting from The Meadows at the Calico Trailhead,
the Winter Trail (#202) branches to the northwest. It descends gradually
for the first 2 miles, and then drops into the West Dolores Canyon, arriving
just east of Dunton, 8,770 ft. The trail (now the Falls Creek Trail, #640)
then starts up Fall Creek Canyon and climbs rapidly to join the Calico
just northeast of Johnny Bull Mountain. From there it’s up over
Sockrider Peak and back down to The Meadows. Total round trip is about
13 miles.
See more information about, and maps of, the Upper
Calico Trail [PDF, 3 pages, 2.90 MB].
The lower portion of the trail (#649) can be reached via the Priest Gulch
Trailhead, (#645, see Priest Gulch Trail description for trailhead location).
Originally designed as a stock drive into the high country, this trail
was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Beginning
at the Priest Gulch Trailhead, the lower Calico Trail begins by crossing
Priest Gulch Creek via a walking bridge and starts a fairly steep accent
up a red-rock ridge via many switchbacks. It will be a steady climb for
about 1.4 miles through a mixed ponderosa pine and aspen forest before
leveling out. For a loop hike using the lower portion of the trail, you
can take the Priest Gulch Cut-Off (Trail #201) at mile 2.3, which will
cut over to the Priest Gulch trail and back down to the Priest Gulch Trailhead
for an approximately 5-mile loop hike.
See more information about, and maps of, the Lower
Calico and Priest Gulch Trails [PDF, 3 pages, 8.00 MB].
North of Mancos
Map
2 — North of Dolores
Indian Ridge Trail / Colorado Trail (FST 520)
Starting elevation: 11,620 ft. (Sharkstooth Trail)
Highest elevation: 12,150 ft.
Ending elevation: 11,800 ft. (Grindstone Lake Trail)
Trail length one way: 4.25 miles.
Maps: See Map 2 — North of Dolores (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½' map: La Plata
Difficulty: moderate
The portion of the Indian Ridge Trail described here is useful in negotiating
a loop hike involving the Sharkstooth, Bear Creek, and Grindstone Creek
trails. Indian Ridge is a portion of the Colorado Trail that extends both
north and south from the La Platas. Indian Ridge is not easily accessible
from roads, but is well tied into the rest of the area hiking trails.
The quickest approach starts at the Kennebec Trailhead, at the north
end of La Plata Canyon. Follow Sharkstooth Trail west for a mile, and
then turn north onto the Indian Ridge Trail. The trail climbs for about
¾ mile, then holds at 12,000 ft. elevation for two miles. The views
into the Animas River valley and the Montolores area are spectacular.
The trail descends to about 11,800 ft. and then runs for about a mile
to the top of the Grindstone Creek Trail. (See Bear Creek Trail for loop
options).
Bear Creek Trail (FST 607)
Starting elevation: 7,960 ft. (Bear Creek Trailhead)
Ending elevation: 11,200 ft. (junction with Sharkstooth Trail)
Trail length one-way: 12.5 miles.
Maps: See Map 2 — North of Dolores (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½' maps: Wallace Ranch, Orphan Butte, La Plata
Difficulty: moderate
From Dolores on Highway 145, travel east for 22 miles. The trailhead
is clearly marked on the highway, and begins about 1/4 mile east (upstream)
from the confluence of Bear Creek and the Dolores River. The trail traverses
the entire length of Bear Creek, all the way to the headwaters, where
it intersects the Sharkstooth Trail. The following trails intersect Bear
Creek Trail and are alternative access points.
- Little Bear Creek Trail (FST 609): Branches off the
Bear Creek Trail at mile four and is a 2.6–mile climb to the Little
Bear Creek Trailhead access, which is via Hillside Drive (FDR #436).
Many portions of the Little Bear Trail may be difficult to find and
can be quite steep.
- Gold Run Trail (FST 618): Branches off at mile six.
This is a fairly steep trail but has several switchbacks and is designed
to accommodate pack animals. Trail length is 2.5 miles to the Gold Run
Trailhead, which is accessed via the West Mancos Road (FDR #561). There
is a well-established trailhead with parking, pit toilets, and a corral.
This is a day-use area only.
- Grindstone (FST 608) / Loop (FST 658) Trails: Both
these trails branch off at mile 7.75 and end at the Grindstone Trailhead
via Hillside Drive (#436). The upper portion of Bear Creek Trail, from
Grindstone Creek (mile 7.75) to the junction with the Sharkstooth Trail,
forms the lower portion of the Highline Loop National Recreation Trail
(#520). To continue on this route you will go east once you are on the
Sharkstooth Trail #620 to the junction with the Indian Ridge Trail #520.
To complete a loop back down to Bear Creek, you can drop back down via
the Loop or Grindstone Trail.
See more information about, and maps of, the Bear
Creek Trail [PDF, 3 pages, 1.33 MB].
Sharkstooth Trail (FST 620)
Starting elevation: 10,900 ft.
Highest elevation: 11,990 ft.
Ending elevation: 11,625 ft. (Kennebec Pass Trailhead)
Trail length one-way: 6.8 miles
Maps: See Map 2 — North of Dolores (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½' map: La Plata
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Take West Mancos Road #561 to Spruce Mill Road #350, about 2 miles past
Transfer. Continue another 6 miles to FDR#346, than another mile to the
Sharkstooth Trailhead. (When the roads are bad, it is easier to start
the hike from Twin Lakes.) The trail climbs immediately to the pass between
Sharkstooth and Centennial peaks. On the way to the pass there is a short
loop hike to Windy Williams Mine interpretive site. The trail drops to
meet the end of the Bear Creek Trail at 11,200 ft., then climbs again
to the divide north of Diorite Peak. The trail circles to the north, up
a creek bed, around a small lake (Taylor Lake), then ends at Kennebec
Pass, which can be reached via La Plata County Road #124.
Sharkstooth Trail description [PDF, 1 page, 36 KB]
Map [PDF, 1 page, 956 KB]
See the Bear Creek Trail and Indian Ridge Trail descriptions for additional
information on loop hikes using the Sharkstooth Trail.
Owens Basin Trail (FST 746)
Starting elevation: 9,284 ft.
Ending elevation: 11,000 ft.
Trail length one way: 3.5 miles
Maps: See Map 2 — North of Dolores (link above), SJNF map,
USGS 7½’ maps: Rampart Hills & La Plata
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
This is a short but very scenic hike; it offers no other loops unless
you wish to take off cross-country. It does, however, take you on a breath-taking
hike above tree line behind the magnificent La Plata Mountains and past
historical structures that are remnants of a once busy mining community.
To access the Owens Basin Trailhead from Mancos, go east for 2.5 miles,
turn left (north) on the Echo Basin Road (County Road 44), and continue
to the Forest boundary, where the road now becomes #566. Stay on the northern
portion of #566, as it becomes a loop around Burnt Ridge. Turn off on
566A and follow this road down to the parking lot, next to the West Mancos
River.
The first 100 yards of the trail begins on the south side of the river.
The trail then crosses the river and joins up with the West Mancos Trail
#621. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE RIVER DURING SPRING RUNOFF. The two
trails split after ½ mile, with the West Mancos Trail heading toward
the North Fork of the West Mancos River and the Owens Basin Trail up the
South Fork.
The trail turns into an old mining road as it works its way up toward
Owens Basin, which is nestled between Spiller, Babcock, Mount Moss, and
Hesperus Mountain. There is an old miners' cabin and other mining structures
to inspect as you enjoy a steady climb up the Basin. The trail ends in
a slide-rock area. Going back down is much easier, and you can enjoy the
view the second time around, as you won’t be gasping for oxygen.
Dolores River Canyon
Snaggletooth Road (and Trail)
Starting elevation: 6,220 ft.
Lowest elevation: 5,550 ft.
Ending elevation: 6,070 ft.
Trail length one way: 15 mi. to Dolores Ford, 11 mi. From the ford to
Hwy 141.
Maps: BLM "Dove Creek", USGS 7 ½' maps: Secret Canyon,
Joe Davis Hill, Hamm Canyon.
Difficulty: easy to moderate
This road/trail leads you into a near-Grand Canyon backcountry experience.
It starts just out of Dove Creek and follows the bottom of the Dolores
canyon for almost its full course. Over the first part of the hike, the
top of the canyon walls is three-quarters of a mile above you. The first
eleven miles is an even, two-track road taking you through this display
of red-rock geology.
Toward the end of this stretch, the valley widens as the river eases
toward the east, in preparation for the Pyramid Rock gooseneck. The river
loops around the north side of the rock; the trail crosses a rise between
the Pyramid and the canyon wall. This might be a good turning point, as
the trail gets rougher and there is a ford another four miles ahead. At
this point, the canyon is only about 1,500 feet deep, but on the opposite
side of the river, most of that elevation is in the form of the spectacular
Joe Davis Hill Cliff, nearly 600 feet high. Do not attempt to cross the
river if the flow is above 100 cfs. Call the Dolores Public Lands Office
for flow information at (970) 882-7296 or visit the San Juan Resource
Area Web site at www.co.blm.gov/sjra/sjdolores.
After you cross the river, the trail continues along the base of the
hill and then around into a narrow defile, the narrowest section of the
canyon. The country opens up after that area, and the road climbs out
of the river bottom, over the narrow part of another gooseneck, and then
out of the canyon. After crossing Disappointment Creek, the trail winds
up on San Miguel County Road 13, just off Highway 141.
Lizard Head Wilderness Trails
The Lizard Head Wilderness Area is one of the most rugged and pristine
sections of southwest Colorado. Most of the hiking trail mileage in this
41,492-acre area is near or well above timberline. There are three 14,000-ft.
peaks within the area, with Mount Wilson (14,246 ft.) being one of the
hardest of Colorado's "Fourteeners" to climb, requiring technical
expertise and equipment. The eastern portion of the area is well hiked,
with the Navajo Lake, Lizard Head, Bilk Basin, Cross Mountain, and Woods
Lake Trails covering the territory well.
Be aware that campfires are prohibited in Navajo Basin.
The western portion of the area is accessible only to those hikers willing
to travel cross- country. There are no established hiking trails west
of the Navajo Lake Trail and north of the Groundhog Stock Drive Trail.
The San Juan National Forest and the Uncompaghre National Forest have
jointly published an excellent brochure on the hiking opportunities available
in the Wilderness Area. Their brochure also outlines some of the hazards
of high-altitude hiking, and suggests some minimum impact techniques that
are useful for any hikers, anywhere. The brochure is available from the
Dolores Ranger District of the SJNF, or the Norwood Ranger District of
the Uncompahgre National Forest. Stop at either of these offices for more
information on trail conditions, access, and difficulty.
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