Hiking in Pagosa Springs

Hiking around Pagosa Country should not be missed. Much of the stunning high country visible from the Pagosa Springs area is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Portions of the Weminuche, Piedra and South San Juan Wilderness areas reach into Pagosa Country. 

Guides / Shuttles

Wilderness Journeys - Shuttles

WJP/PRO is a one stop shop for almost any adventure that you may want to experience while staying here in Pagosa Springs.

135 Country Center Dr. Suite D
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970-731-4081

Voice of Wilderness

Voice of Wilderness is a Christian backpacking and retreat center specializing in spiritual refreshment, educational adventures, and physical challenges. Voice of Wilderness was founded by Chet & Bobbie Russell in 1973 and is currently based out of Mountain Light Lodge, located in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado.

300C Columbine Ct
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
281-369-6606

Pagosa Adventure

We are the adventure experts, and our passion is excitement! We are excited to help you with your Pagosa Adventure today! We believe in providing a personal touch beyond just making your reservations. Contact us to book your once in a lifetime Rocky Mountain memory. Bundle adventure packages are available.#ComeAdventureWithUs

275 E. Highway 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970-946-4450

Wilderness Journeys Pagosa

Wilderness Journeys Pagosa, Inc. specializes in giving you a taste of beautiful Southern Colorado and surrounding regions. Whether you enjoy history, water, fishing, or just plain being in the great outdoors, we have the adventure for you! Historic train tours, Native American site tours, Scenic history/wildlife tours, Rafting, Fishing and so much more. We have guides who care about our beautiful area and it shows! Family owned and operated.

3505 W Hwy 160
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 731-4081

Trails

Cimarrona Trail (#586)

A beautiful hike with lots of wildflowers & views of Williams Creek Reservoir.

The first two miles of trail are moderately easy wandering through conifers and aspen groves. From here many switchbacks start a steep ascent. Choose your destination - the trail continues 8 miles to the Continental Divide Trail at Squaw Pass, ascending 3,100 feet. This trail meets Hossick Creek Trail mile 6.5.

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Coal Creek Trail (#581)

Great Mountain Views.

10 miles in length from Coal Creek Trailhead at Sand Creek to the trailhead on Fawn Gulch Road, this trail crosses the shoulder of a mountain. The trail ascends 2,800 feet and the highest point is 10,800 feet. Both ascent and descent are steep and can be slick when wet. The first stream from Fawn Gulch trailhead may be impassable.

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Continental Divide Trail - CDT (#813 North)

The top of the world!

The CDT trail begins behind the radio tower. You will feel as though you are truly on top of the world. You are standing on the “backbone” of the country - the dividing line for the eastern and western watersheds.

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Alberta Peak Trail - CDT (#813 South)

Beautiful vistas along the ridge above timberline.

Begin this trail at the summit of Wolf Creek Pass.

A well-marked trail travels south and climbs to the west of Wolf Creek Ski Area. It then leads to rocky ridges on the west side of Alberta Peak. There is no marked trail leading to the top of the peak (11,870’). Alberta Peak is 3 miles.

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Fish Lake Trail (#574)

Follows a rambling creek.

12 miles from trailhead to Continental Divide, up the north fork of Fish Creek to Fish Lake. There are several steep grades and stream crossings, the first crossing may be impassable. Highest point is 12,160 feet, ascending 3,200 feet.

Leche Creek Trail (#576)

Trail passes through several aspen stands.

The trail is 7.7 miles from trailhead to the Navajo Peak Trail (# 577). Highest point is 10,433 feet; total ascent is 2,000 feet. This hike can be an out and back, or a vehicle can be shuttled to the Navajo Peak Trail.

Ice Cave Ridge Trail

A nice geological detour.

Start on the Piedra River Trail, after several hundred yards follow an old road bed to the right and a short trail up the ridge to fissures that are sheltered from the sun and contain snow into late June. This hike also has good views of the Piedra Valley.

Opal Lake Trail (#564)

Minerals deposited at the inlet of the lake give it its milky color.

The trail to Opal Lake is 1.2 miles. The trail enters the South San Juan Wilderness at about one mile. A portion of the trail is steep before it traverses an open meadow to the lake, passing through groves of aspens. The lake is bordered by wooded hillsides and a sheer mountain face.

Middle Fork Trail (#589)

A steep hike at high elevation with views of Piedra river.

Ten miles in length from Middle Fork Trailhead over Palomino Mountain to the Continental Divide Trail. Crossing the Middle Fork can be difficult during high water. This trail is steep, ascends 4,600 feet and offers little camping.

Buckles and Harris Lakes (#688)

Hike to lakeside picnic spots.

The trail passes Buckles Lake and ends at Harris Lake, round trip approximately 3 miles. This area is great for families, you’ll enjoy the beauty and serenity of camping and fishing right on Buckles Lake. Harris Lake offers an even quieter setting.

Piedra River Trail (#596)

Beautiful box canyons along the Piedra River.

12 miles from trailhead to trailhead. An easy trail for all ages, just set the distance accordingly. From Piedra Road, the trail starts on the canyon rim and then descends to the river. Sheer cliffs rise on both sides for over several hundred yards. For a longer hike, a vehicle can be shuttled to the First Fork Road trail access.

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Quartz Ridge Trail (#570)

Nice clamshell geological formations.

Out and back or shuttle hike. 15 miles in length, this trail begins at Coal Creek Trailhead and returns to East Fork Road further east, near the Silver Falls Guard Station and trail. This steep trail with several switchbacks goes up Sand Creek to Quartz Ridge before dropping down to East Fork. The last 1.5 miles passes through private property, so please stay on the trail. Highest point is 11,454 feet, ascending 3,518 feet.

Quartz Lake via Little Blanco Trail (#571) & Quartz Lake Trail (#571)

Sweeping Panoramic views of the west.

The first two miles of the Little Blanco Trail are steep and winding. The trail enters the South San Juan Wilderness area at 2.5 miles. Follow the trail 1/2 mile to the junction of the Quartz Lake Trail. The Quartz Creek Trail continues to the left for 1 mile north to Quartz Lake, at 11,600 feet. The lake itself is relatively small, but pristine. The Little Blanco Trail continues northeast four miles to the Continental Divide. The highest point is at 12,246 feet.

Quartz Creek Trail (#571)

The highest point in Archuleta County.

This trail is 6.5 miles in length and accesses the Continental Divide Trail south of Summit Peak. This trail connects with the Little Blanco Trail just before joining the Continental Divide Trail.

Treasure Mountain Trail (#565)

A spectacular trail to Windy Pass.

After approximately three miles, the Treasure Mountain Trail from the northeast intersects the Windy Pass trail in a large scenic park. Windy Pass is about 3/4 of a mile to the west from this junction. You can return the way you came, or you can shuttle a vehicle to the Windy Pass Trail on Hwy 160 located west of Treasure Falls, across the highway from West Fork Road.

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Reservoir Hill Trails

Scenic views in the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs.

Reservoir Hill Park is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs. Offering mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, sledding in the winter, and incredible views of the San Juan Mountains, you'll want to add this to your list of "must-dos" in Pagosa Springs.

V-Rock Trail (#578)

Spectacular panoramic views from the top.

3 miles from trailhead to Leche Creek Trail (# 576), trail ascends 1,000 feet with the last mile being the steepest. This hike is usually an out and back, but for a longer hike, a vehicle can be shuttled to the Navajo Peak Trailhead or the Leche Creek Trailhead.

Weminuche Trail (#592)

Stunning scenery with water crossings and open meadows.

The Weminuche Trail provides a jumping off point for many other trails and destinations. The Weminuche Trail itself travels high above Weminuche Creek and passes the junction to Granite Lake. About 7 miles in length from the trailhead to the junction with the Divide Lake Trail (# 539), this trail meets the Hossick Creek Trail (# 585) at mile 2.2 and the East Fork of the Weminuche Trail (# 659) at mile 6.5. The trail drops in elevation for the first two miles to the junction with Hossick Creek (# 585) and Shaw Creek (# 584) trails; keep this in mind for the hike out after a long day.

West Fork Trail (#561)

Views of the San Juan Valley.

13 miles from trailhead to Continental Divide at Piedra Pass, this trail ascends 3,600 feet with several stream crossings and steep grades. Portions of this trail cross private property so please stay on the trail. At mile 4.5, there is a junction with the Beaver Creek Trail (# 560), which is closed to through traffic due to safety concerns. Camping is permitted only in designated sites. Highest point is 11,700 feet. The combination of the West Fork Trail and Turkey Creek Trail is known as the Rainbow Trail.

Plumtaw - Piedra Loop - Williams Creek Reservoir

This route takes you past amazing vistas, Deb’s Historic Schoolhouse, and
multiple trailheads. From Hwy 160, turn north at Lewis street and take the
immediate left fork in the road. At about 1/4 mile take the right fork and follow
Fourmile road (CR 400 which becomes FS 645) about 8 miles. Take the left fork and follow Plumtaw Road (FS 634) about 20 miles. Where Plumtaw Road descends to the Piedra Road, you can continue your trip in two directions
Turn right to the Piedra River Trail and continue to Williams Creek Reservoir, a scenic high mountain reservoir with great fishing, hiking and camping. Turn left and you will continue back to Pagosa. The roads are suitable for all vehicles. (35-60 mi. round trip)

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
877-444-6777

Williams Creek Trail (#587)

The first few miles give the impression of a gigantic walled garden.

Trail ascends 3,400 feet in 14 miles from trailhead to Continental Divide. The trail includes three steep sections and two stream crossings (may be difficult during high water). This trail meets Indian Creek Trail (# 588) at mile 2.5 and Williams Lake Trail (# 664) at mile 7.5. The highest point is 11,800 feet.

Reservoir Hill Park

With access points off of Hot Springs Blvd and behind the San Juan Motel, Reservoir Hill is an outdoor treasure. Locals and visitors alike enjoy hiking, mountain biking, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing on the many trails traversing the hill.

Reservoir Hill is also home to an 18-hole, disc golf course. From Main Street, turn left off Hot Springs Blvd at Spring Street, just past the Post Office. Park at the gate and walk up the access road to hole 1.

Main Parking Area Behind Healing Waters - Off of Hot Springs Blvd and San Juan St
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970-264-4151

Cloman Park

Cloman Park is an open space park northwest of downtown Pagosa Springs off of Piedra Road and Cloman Blvd. It features an 18-hole disc golf course, hiking and biking trails, and groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter.

Piedra Road (CR600) to Cloman Blvd - Turn right, take to end of road -
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970-264-4151

Coyote Hill Loop (#314)

Great views of Pagosa Peak.

Coyote Hill is an easy, low elevation loop trail with nice views of the San Juan Mountains and Pagosa Peak. Easily accessible from paved, Piedra Rd. the trail can be done clockwise or counterclockwise from the junction of the loop intersection located at approximately 0.17 miles from the trailhead.

Off of Piedra Rd, past the cattle guard where road turns to gravel -
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Navajo Peak Trail (#577)

This hike can be connected to various other trails for a point-to-point hike including the Leche Creek Trail No. 576 or V Rock Trail No 578.

Reaching the trailhead(s) is the greatest challenge to this hike. Both ends of the trail are accessible to OHV (only to the wilderness boundary) and cattle are likely to be part of the experience.

A mid elevation hike bespeckled with small ponds. Aspen stands are the dominate tree. A gentle terrain for hiking, the easternmost edge of the trail climbs quickly to the Chalk Mountains and the higher elevation peaks of Navajo and Elephant Rock.

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Navajo State Park

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Navajo State Park is Colorado's Answer to Lake Powell. Navajo Reservoir Extends for 20 miles South into New Mexico.

Boaters and campers enjoy the park year-round. Sailors, house boaters​​ and other power boaters cruise some of the 15,000 surface-acres of the giant reservoir. Daily and seasonal slip and mooring ball rentals, boat rentals and gasoline for boats are available at the park’s Two Rivers Marina.

Navajo features 138 campsites; most sites are open year-round. Fishing​ enthusiasts catch crappie, large-mouth and small-mouth bass, northern pike, trout, bluegill and catfish in the reservoir.​

1526 County Rd 982
Arboles, CO 81121
970-883-2208

Waterfalls

Piedra Falls Trail

Impressive falls thundering off a cliff into a v-shaped canyon of huge boulders.

1/2 mile each way (1/2 hour round trip). A great hike for all ages. Walk upstream to a head gate where the trail begins. The trail continues above and west of the head gate and river to the falls.

Treasure Falls (#563)

A spectacular 100 foot waterfall that can be seen from the parking lot.

To the LEFT of the parking lot is a short trail that will take you to the base of the falls. Follow the trail a quarter mile to the bridge at the base of the falls. There is a more difficult trail to the right that also leads to the waterfall.  Standing in the refreshing spray on the bridge, the falls rush down the cliff toward you. In the winter, these falls create a frozen blue sculpture. Elevation gain is 325 feet.

East Highway 160 toward Wolf Creek Pass -
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Silver Falls

A gorgeous waterfall located up East Fork Road.

High-clearance 4x4s are the recommended mode of transportation to the falls due to the possibility of several water crossings. The trail to Silver Falls begins behind the old guard station on the left side of the road. The hike to the base of the falls is about 1/8 mile and gets increasingly steeper the closer you get to the falls. Be careful of loose debris as you climb to the falls.

USFS Road and Trail Conditions

US Forest Service - Pagosa Ranger District

The San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. Terrain ranges from high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, with thousands of miles of back roads and hundreds of miles of trails to explore. These federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The Forest Supervisor's Office is located in the San Juan Public Lands Center in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.

For the latest on local conditions, contact the Pagosa Ranger District.

180 Pagosa St
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970-264-2268