Travelers looking to make a longer trip that involves spending the night should follow trail protocols for camping. I ended up stashing a black garbage bag in bushes adjacent to the nearest grocery store. My plan was to take the train to Silverton. The good new is, if you combine this with the San Juan Skyway and make your road trip a loop, then you dont have to worry about driving on the exposed side.. Im going to give some recommendations one the tops campgrounds all along the highway varying from upscale RV parks to free BLM locations. Pack some sturdy rain gear and a map so you can find an exit route if you need to get below treeline quickly. Durango to Silverton From Durango, take US 550 North to Silverton. But does have a gear shop (fuel) and plenty of restaurants. 
Now if youre like us and are looking for the most epic hike possible, youre definitely going to want to tackle one of Colorados most famous 14ers, Mount Sneffels (super intimidating name, am I right?). Silverton Rock Pirates doesnt just offer off road vehicle rentals, they make the entire experience pure fun! The train will cross the riverfivetimes on its journey to Silverton, offering spectacular views from both sides of the train. Some wilderness areas on the path require permits, but they are free. It also has 2 restaurants and overlooks the Animas River. I should have left more STUFF hidden in a garbage bag.The wild flowers are shoulder high in places.I set up in a lovely spot.Failed to get the campfire going this time. Accommodations on the trail are few and far between and should not be relied on. At higher elevations, bear bagging is not possible. Scenic and easy access suitable for almost any rig. We think so, but were also a little biased. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet to Silverton and the high mountain airwill be on average about 10 degreescooler than in Durango. 
From there, get ready for the time of you life! Amazing ride overall! Put up your tent anywhere you like. A good friend of mine bikepacked the entire Colorado Trail for his 60th birthday. Some popular towns where thru-hikers usually resupply: The Colorado Trail is well marked and relatively easy to follow. Partial hookups. Ouray really has so much too explore! The high elevation combined with colder months can lead to extremely dangerous hiking conditions. Arrastra is best for small vehicles, preferably high clearance. Regional Southwest Map. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. South Mineral Rd 4 free dispersed campgrounds within 10 minutes of each other along South Mineral Road. Be sure to check out our blog on 30 Insanely Epic Things to do in Durango for all the details on visiting Durango. I found an excellent campsite hidden along the edge of the river in a Park currently under construction. Where would I store the gear I didnt want to carry on the hike? For years, Ive been toying with the idea of riding sections of it, and this year was the perfect time to start. Stony Colorado Trail Drop: $60 per person. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. No hookups but restroom facilities with showers. With private rooms, mountain view, agar fen, and terrace, you might never leave Durango. 1974 Silverton Train Narrow Gauge Ride Schedule Vintage Colorado Travel An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. Ouray is a pretty mountain town filled with rolling valleys and surrounded by sheer rock faces but its ecosystem is dry, unlike the typical mountain town you picture in Colorado. Reservable. Big rig friendly. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. This is a backcountry trail with many segments that have limited or no vehicle access. 
Be sure to stop by the Silverton Museum, Jail and Mining Heritage Center and uncover many artifacts of San Juan Countys past. This video documents our journey through this majestic landscape. Fortunately, on the downhill, you wont be on the exposed side of the highway, its only on the way up that nervous drivers will feel a bit white knuckled. 
Best of all, you get to end in the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Here are afew places to get information to make your navigation easier: The Colorado Trail Foundation has aguidebook, a databook, and topo mapsfor you to chose from. Many riders on longer trips and even those not riding will also bring pack animals such as llamas and donkeys to help carry extra supplies for their trips. We rent a jeep and went exploring out of Ouray. It can be sparse for thru-hikers to find fellow thru-hikers to socialize and form a trail family ("tramily"?). For a more information on our year-round recreation log on to www.silvertoncolorado.com or call 1-800-752-4494. Mid sized rig friendly. 
Because of the scarcity of bears, many people don't bear bag on the CT. The Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire western United States. Here you will climb to the top of San Luis Peak (14,014 feet) in the La Garita wilderness and pass by the town of Creede, considered by many to be the best resupply town on the entire trail. Soak it all in as some of the most scenic sections of the trail are in this part of the San Juans. The fun doesnt have to stop here, with easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails in the Uncompahgre and Weminuche Wilderness areas you have access toan abundance of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers. Collegiate East Route Option:The original 78 mile route. As you head north for Durango it get exponentially more beautiful. When traveling on the D&SNGRR, we suggest you wear layers of clothing. I was using McDonalds WiFi by 6am next morning. 48 miles to the north of Durango, there are a staggering 60 trails to hike near Silverton, covering 352 miles of the San Juan Mountains. The San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highway can easily be combined to make a loop by heading left when you hit Ridgeway, passing Dallas Divide, and then continuing down highway 145. 23.0 km Together they are inspiring others to explore the outdoors, defy the norm, and live their dreams. Ouray doesnt have a ton of camping options but it doesnt need to, this campground and RV Park is a destination in itself. Change). Green dots represent individual trails; red dots represent main trail system trailheads and will link to information on that trail system. If you do fin yourself driving back on the uphill side of the road, drive early in the morning or close to sunset that way theres less traffic and you can hug the center line more. My plan was As I mentioned before, the Million Dollar Highway is definitely short enough that the entire drive could in be experienced in one day however, theres so much more to the San Juans than just the road. The mountains slowly get taller and the aspens get nearer as the road gets windier. Water, showers, laundry. Not reservable. 
Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. After stopping at Creede, hikers begin a roller coaster ride of ups and downs through the San Juan Mountains. After you pass Engineer Mountain youll reach the scenic viewpoint of Coal Bank Pass at 10,610 feet elevation, where you should definitely stop and take it in before weaving your way along one of the prettiest sections of the Million Dollar Highway. While not technically the highest-elevation portion of the trail, nevertheless this section stays very high in the San Juan Mountain Range. Spam? How to Survive the West Coast Trail, Canada, Colorado Trail Silverton to Durango day2, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, BestHike #8 Everest Base Camp / 3Passes. 
Sleep up to 5. Just past Purgatory, there is another big adventure hub, Engineer Mountain. Then click the link below and vote for theDurangoTrain! Though officially full, one of the ticket officers managed to squeeze me on to the 8am train. First, let me reassure that when driven under normal, sunny circumstances in a standard vehicle, its not dangerous. Buttle Lake Campground, Strathcona Park B.C. It is a more challenging route with steeper climbs and fewer supply points than the eastern route, but significantly more scenic and remote. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile long-distance trail that spans the distance between Denver and Durango. However, in one particular section, there is a fork in the trail that gives you the option to take the eastern or western route through the Collegiate Peaks. NOT OKAY! Off roading is equally as spectacular in Ouray but with a few different options. Dont feel bad for having to turn around or end your outing earlier than planned. However, finishing in Denver does make it easier to travel home when you are done. Note: The Southwest ascent is a Class 3 scramble and is for expert hikers only. With starting points in both Denver and Durango, as well as multiple close brushes to other cities, people interested in exploring some of the natural beauty of the world have the option to make the whole trail or just segments. Expect to see a lot more hikers in this area and dont forget to stop at Leadville, a booming mining town in the 1800s that is now known for its hiking and running trails. As I mentioned earlier, many people choose to just stay in Durango and make a trip up the Million dollar Highway for a day. Big rig sites but a dirt road to get there. 
Modern Village Center Condo Not the cheapest option in Ouray but probably this upscale accommodation is as luxurious as you can get in Ouray. , An excellent hostel having closed a couple of years ago, the cheapest room I could find was US$120. Still craving more? 
While cross country riders could undoubtedly enjoy this trail as well, enduro-oriented mountain bikers riding bikes with a lot of suspension travel are guaranteed to love this beautiful, challenging descent! Theres a nice outdoor patio and indoor lounge area. Rooms sleep up to 2. Option 1: East to West (Denver to Durango). This might be the more favorable option as well if you need to start your hike later in the season - you end in the lower and warmer elevations surrounding Denver. 
No facilities. You'll climb over Coal Bank Pass, which has a summit of 10,660 feet, and Molas Pass. Water and pit toilets. 13h 00m, The 2014 CTR included the Tarryall detour. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 2,692' Up Hiking, rock climbing and MTB are all over. Proabbly the best destination campground on the highway. 555mi Maps Where can I purchase maps of The Colorado Trail? As you near the Animas River, listen carefully for the shrill whistles from the trains navigating the narrow gauge railway that connects the old mining towns of Silverton and Durango. 719.28 m Up World-class alpine scenery capped with a 4,000-foot descent! Tents okay. Its true that there are a few sections without guardrails and sheer drops and if you have a fear of heights or youre not used to driving in the mountains, it can be scary. As you leave Marshall Pass, you will enter the cattle country of Cochetopa Valley. 
Climbing Veggan from Uttakleiv Beach, Lofoten, Norway. Sits on the Animas Bike Path. Fits any mid size rig and may fit large rigs if sites are available. Carry a Personal Locator Beacon or Sattilite communication device. Best for if you need a last minute place to sleep. This entire stretch of singletrack has also been designated by the International Mountain Bike Association as one of their "Epic" rides. It was an amazing 16 day adventure. Indeed, between departing from Highway 550 at Molas Pass and entering the town of Durango, the only sign of human life is the occasional dirt road crossing. Youll be greeted with awesome views of the valley ahead of you, old mining ruins, and gorgeous red mountainsides, which contrasts beautifully against the aspens trees when fall comes around. Youre going to want time to explore each towns adventures and all the things in between. Of course, if you make a trip all the way to Durango, you cant miss the famous Narrow Gauge Railroad scenic train ride to Silverton. 
Quick tip: If you dont want to see certain categories on the map (example: climbing) all you have to do is click on the checkbox and all climbing spots will be hidden. . Once you reach Durango, you are at the southwestern terminus. 
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