Pagosa springs hiking - Planet pagosa - pictures and description of hikes in pagosa springs colorado and the San Juan Forest, Weiminuche Wilderness, and the San Juan Mountains.

Pagosa Peak - For those mountain climbing enthusiasts, there is no more memorable hike that to hike to the top of Pagosa Peak. Being the highest point in the area, the view from the top is breathtaking and also a bit thrilling. Go North on Piedra Road past the Pagosa Lakes area to Road #633 which becomes Plum Taw Road on the right. Take it several miles until you see a gated entrance to a rugged road on the left. This 4-wheel drive road is an old logging road. Drive 4 miles until you see the single track trail on the left. Just follow the clearly defined trail and the "blue paint" spots on designated trees to the summit of 12,640'. There is an elevation gain of 2000' feet so be sure to allow plenty of time and be off the peak by Noon as sudden storms can appear and lightening is especially dangerous at that altitude.

Quartz Lake - Quartz Lake is a beautiful alpine lake up near Nipple Mountain. It is not very long, but the climb is strenuous. Go south 1/4 miles on Hwy 84 to a left on Mill Creek Rd. (#662), then 15 miles and bear left on Nipple Mtn. Rd (#665). The trailhead is on the left just before the road ends. This hike is 5 miles one way with an elevation gain of 1600 ft.

Coal Creek Trail - Go northeast 9.5 mi on Hwy 160 to East Fork Rd, turn right. Follow it 4 mi to trailhead on right right before the bridge over Sand Creek. A shuttle vehicle should be parked at trailhead on Fawn Gulch Rd. (3.5 mi N.E. on 160). The hike is approximately 10 mile one way with an elevation gain of 2800 ft.

West Fork or Rainbow Trail - To see a natural hot spring (Rainbow Hot Springs) and a beautiful hike through dense forest, the West Fork Trail is a great hike. Take Hwy 160 East of town to West Fork Rd (#168), turn left. Continue across bridge over West Fork of San Juan River to the trailhead. This hike is 13 miles with an elevation gain of 3600 ft.

Williams Creek - Go west on Hwy 160 to Piedra Rd (#631) to a right on Williams Lake Rd. The trailhead is located at the end of road. To hike the full length of this trail is 14 miles with an elevation gain of 3400 ft.

Please contact the Pagosa Ranger District Office, 970-264-2268, regarding camping at Trail Heads and Campfire restrictions.