In Durango. the San Juan Skyway turns north on U.S. Highway 550 and passes through the Animas Valley, over Coal Bank Hill and Molas Pass to Silverton and Red Mountain Pass, where it enters the Uncompahgre National Forest.

Spectacular views for 70 miles between Durango and Ouray showcase millions of years of geologic history, from the valley floors to the mountain peaks. Scenes of human history, mostly from the mining era, dot the hillsides. Old wagon roadbeds can still be seen along the canyons.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad parallels the highway for 15 miles north of Durango. At Rockwood the train continues through the upper Animas River canyon, whereas the highway climbs over the passes. The two routes meet again at Silverton.

The highway turns west at Silverton, then north again past the abandoned townsite of Chattanooga as it climbs Red Mountain Pass.

Side roads and trails lead from Hwy. 550 to remote parts of the Forest. The area northeast of Silverton, known as the San Juan Triangle, also offers opportunities for exploration. It is administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

You can choose from five Forest campgrounds along the route. Groceries, gas, and other camper services are available in Durango, Hermosa, near Purgatory, and in Silverton.

Junction Creek

Junction Creek Campground is five miles west of Durango. It's a good base camp if you're planning Durango activities. From Main Avenue (550), turn west on 25th Street (Junction Creek Road). Follow the pavement for 3.5 miles to the Forest boundary, then continue another 1.5 miles on FDR 171 to the campground.

The campground is on a south-facing hillside a small distance above Junction Creek. Three loops on 38 acres contain 34 sites. Many are level and well shaded by ponderosa pines. All sites are back-ins. Most can handle long RVs. Tables at two sites in"C" Loop can accommodate wheelchairs.

Junction Creek is about 1/4 mile below "A" Loop. Skilled fishermen may have good luck near the campground, but chances improve upstream.

The southern end of the 469-mile Colorado Trail, between Denver and Durango, begins at the Forest boundary, back at the end of the pavement. It follows Junction Creek for several miles before heading uphill into the La Plata Mountains.

FDR 543 goes north from the campground and winds its way up the south side of Barnes Mountain for six miles to the Animas Overlook at 9,000 feet. Here, a leisurely 45-minute walk will take you along an interpretive trail to nine information signs, with topics including history, geology, wildlife, archaeology, ecology, and forest management. You can see a panoramic vista of the high peaks to the north and east, with the Animas Valley in the foreground. To the south are views of Durango and the mesa country.

Animas Overlook is accessible to the disabled. The trail is paved and gently sloping, to aid the use of wheelchairs. The vault toilets have wide doors and handrails.

The road continues along the ridge to dead-end northeast of Kennebec Pass. Several trails lead off the road. Most follow drainages into the Hermosa Creek or Junction Creek basins, but Sliderock Trail (a section of the Colorado Trail) crosses upper Junction Creek before climbing to Kennebec Pass.

Haviland Lake

Haviland Lake Campground, about 18 miles north of Durango, has scenic and convenient campsites a mile off Hwy. 550. Turn east on FDR 671. The campground entrance is just across the dam.

With the Hermosa Cliffs in the background, morning views across the reservoir are memorable. Fishing can be good, too. Ponderosa pines shade the 45 sites. There is a good selection of sites for RVs and tents, with some near the shore. Reservations can be made through the Reservation Center.

Southeast of the campground, a four-wheel-drive road leads to Forebay Lake about a mile away. Forebay offers a more secluded setting for fishing than Haviland.

The Goulding Creek Trail begins on the west side of Highway 550 about a mile south of the Haviland turnoff. It climbs rapidly above the creek drainage to the top of the Hermosa Cliffs. Above the cliffs, the area opens into a scenic valley. The hike is especially beautiful during the fall-color season.

Chris Park

The Chris Park Group Campground is a mile south of Haviland on FDR 166. Three large sites which each accommodate 75 people are available by reservation only, through the Reservation Center. The park is mostly flat and open, partly shaded by a few large ponderosa pines.

The Animas and Silverton wagon road passed through Chris Park in 1876 and was used for six years until the railway opened. An historical marker near the entrance to the campground explains the story.

Purgatory

Purgatory Campground is eight miles north of Haviland (26 miles north of Durango), across from the Purgatory Ski Area. This six acre facility has 14 sites. A few can accommodate RVs, but most are better suited for tents. At 8,800 feet, this is a cool area, well shaded by spruce and fir. Since it is next to the highway, expect some road noise. Restaurants and some services are available at Purgatory. Gas, groceries, and a dumping station are 2 1/2 miles south on Highway 550.

The Purgatory Trail starts at the campground entrance and descends steadily down Cascade Creek for four miles to a footbridge crossing the Animas River. From there, trails lead upstream into the Weminuche Wilderness.

Sig Creek

Sig Creek Campground is six miles west of the Purgatory resort, on the Hermosa Park Road (FDR 578). Much of the gravel road follows the route of the Pinkerton Trail and Scotch Creek Toll Road, which ran between Rico and the Animas Valley in the late 1800s. The route was abandoned in 1891 when the Rio Grande Southern Railroad reached Rico.

Nine sites on four acres sit on a south facing hillside about 1/4 mile from the East Fork of Hermosa Creek. Even at 9,400 feet, it can get warm here on sunny summer days, since most sites have limited shade.

The road continues past the campground to the confluence of Hermosa Creek, then turns north, crossing Bolam Pass and following Barlow Creek down to intersect with Colorado Highway 145, north of Rico. Road conditions near the pass usually make the upper section suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Hermosa Creek Trail begins near the confluence of the main and east forks of Hermosa Creek. Renowned among mountain bikers, this trail offers a lengthy trip back to Hermosa, mostly paralleling the creek, with great side hikes and loop trips. Toilets. picnic tables, a corral, and a parking area are at the trailhead.

After passing the Purgatory area, Hwy. 550 climbs steeply up Coal Bank Hill just east of Engineer Mountain. It you have time and a sturdy vehicle the Old Lime Creek Road (FDR 591 ) is a scenic alternate route that rejoins 550 after 12 miles.

Potato, Little Molas, and Andrews Lakes offer fishing near Hwy. 550. You can ride horseback or hike the 10-mile round trip to Crater Lake from the trailhead at Andrews.

In the winter, the Molas Pass area is popular with snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

The East Lime Creek Picnic Ground is just south of Molas Pass adjacent to Highway 550. With two tables and toilets, it's a convenient rest stop for travelers.

South Mineral

Six miles west of Silverton, South Mineral Campground is the last developed camping area along Hwy. 550 on the San Juan National Forest. Two miles west of town, FDR 585 heads west along the creek. Overflow camping is permitted in several spots along the road, but there is no water or garbage pickup. Please pack out your trash.

The campground is four miles off Hwy. 550 on FDR 585, at 9,800 feet. The 26 sites are mostly level. Several camping loops and well spaced sites offer plenty of privacy. Spruce and fir give lots of shade, but there are some sunny sites. A few are along the creek, and some have large parking areas.

Nearby peaks have cliffs of brilliant color contrasting reds and grays. A waterfall on the creek just upstream from the campground adds to the attraction. A steep but popular trail leads to Ice Lake, two miles from the campground.

Four-wheel-drive roads lead in all directions from Silverton. North of South Mineral Creek, routes lead west off Hwy. 550 to Ophir Pass and Black Bear Pass.

In its 250-mile journey to the Colorado River, the Dolores River carves a U-shaped path, first heading southwest, then abruptly turning northwest near the town of Dolores.

The river offers plenty of fishing. Fly-fishermen battle trout in the upper sections of the Dolores and the West Dolores. McPhee is stocked with trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.

Many of the hillsides north of Dolores are covered with aspens, which turn a brilliant gold in the fall. Highway 145 (part of the San Juan Skyway) and the West Dolores Road (FDR 535) are popular drives during the autumn.

Other Forest roads lead to historic sites in the high-mesa country. You can find the site of Colorado's last Indian battle, the Beaver Creek Massacre, a mile off the Dolores-Norwood Road (FDR 526) on the Trail Canyon Road (FDR 525). The remains of the Narraguinnep Fort can be seen just off the Glade Road (FDR 514).

McPhee Park, on the Dolores-Norwood Road, contains a virgin stand of ponderosa pines. For specific directions to these and other points of interest, contact the Dolores Ranger District.

McPhee

The McPhee Recreation Complex, on the south side of McPhee Reservoir, has the most modern camping facilities on the forest. Follow Colorado Highways 145 south and 184 west about seven miles from Dolores. Turn north into the complex on FDR 271. McPhee Campground is about two miles from 184.

Its 76 sites on two loops have paved access and parking. There are showers, flush toilets, a sanitary dumping station, and 16 sites with electric hookups. Two sites have tables and toilets which accommodate wheelchairs. Twelve sites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks. Only Pinyon Loop sites may be reserved through the Reservation Center.

The campground is on a mesa 500 feet above the reservoir. Several sites, especially on the upper Pinyon Loop, have views of Mesa Verde and Sleeping Ute Mountain to the south. Pinon and juniper trees offer some shade, but the area gets very warm on sunny summer days.

Just north of the campground, the Ridge Picnic Ground has 13 no-fee day-use sites with views of the reservoir. Nearby, Ridge Point Overlook has a 3600 panorama with signs identifying prominent landmarks and natural features. The Ridge Point Trail connects the campground and the overlook (1/2 mile south) and then drops off the mesa to the six-lane paved boat ramp and commercial marina (1/2 mile north).

The marina has boat rentals, repair, gas, and mooring; guide service; fishing equipment; and food.

McPhee Group

Next to McPhee Campground, the McPhee Group Area has camping and picnicking sites. The camping areas are available through the Reservation Center. Volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits are provided.

On the south side of the reservoir, the Big Bend access point offers fishing and boat launching from Hwy. 184; the Dolores access site has fishing and barrier-free access from Hwy. 145. On the north side, you can fish at the Sage Hen launch site and at Dry Canyon.

All of these locations have toilets and parking areas. Dispersed camping is allowed at Sage Hen and Dry Canyon, but no camping is permitted at the Dolores and Big Bend sites.

House Creek

The House Creek Recreation Complex is across the reservoir from the McPhee Complex. From Dolores, drive north at 11th Street on the Dolores-Norwood Road (FDR 526) for about six miles, then southeast on the House Creek Road (FDR 528) for 5.4 miles. The access road and parking areas within the complex are paved.

This gently sloping, grassy area is near the reservoir's high-water line. The family campground has 60 sites in three loops. Five are walk-ins; two are designed for wheelchair use. Only Loop "B" sites may be reserved, through the Reservation Center.

The adjacent group campground's two areas each accommodate about 30 people. A group picnic ground is also available. Group sites are reserved through the Reservation Center. The complex has open play areas, a sanitary dumping station, a four-lane boat ramp, and parking area. Family picnic sites are available free for day use.

Lone Dome

The Lone Dome Recreation Area consists of two campgrounds and a picnic area, cottonwoods, ponderosa and Pinon pine. Juniper trees shade the area, but summer temperatures can exceed 900 at this elevation of 6500'. Fishing is good in the Dolores River and is limited to catch-and-release, with flies and lures only. The closest services are in Dolores or Dove Creek.

The Bradfield Campground, 30 miles northwest of Dolores, has 22 campsites, all barrier-free, with hand pumps for water. It features a raft launch site for trips on the lower Dolores River. Take State Hwy. 184 northwest from Dolores to Hwy. 666, then north to County Rd. 505. Go east on CR 504, almost to the Dolores River.

The Cabin Canyon Campground, 4 miles upstream from Bradfield on the Dolores River, has 11 campsites (all barrier-free), a hand pump for water, and a concrete barrier-free trail next to the campground, along the river.

There is a dump station 1/10 mile east of the campground. Ferris Canyon Campground, three miles from Cabin Canyon, has six sites (all barrier-free), a hand pump for water, and six picnic areas. Metaska Picnic Site, four miles southeast of Ferris Canyon, has five tables, a toilet, and a water hand pump.

Emerson

The West Dolores Road (FDR 535) branches north from Highway 145 about 13 miles northeast of Dolores. It follows the West Dolores River upstream almost to its headwaters in the Lizard Head Wilderness. After 32 miles, the road rejoins Hwy. 145 six miles north of Rico. Most of the road has a good gravel surface, although the last six miles are steep, narrow, and not recommended for trailers.

Three miles north on Hwy. 535. the Emerson Campground has seven fee campsites and one group picnic site. A fee is also charged for the group site: contact U.S. High Country, (303) 882-9905. Emerson is next to the West Dolores River and is a very popular fishing site.

The group area has five large tables, a serving table, a triple grill, volleyball posts, horseshoe pits, and a small backstop for ball games. Large ponderosa pines provide some shade, and the family sites are well shaded by spruce and fir.

Mavreeso

Mavreeso Campground is three miles from Emerson on Highway 535, about 19 miles from Dolores. The 14 sites are mostly level and close to the river. Several have shady tent areas beneath spruce and fir. There are pull-thrus for RVs. One site has a table that accommodates wheelchairs. A sanitary dumping station is near one of the toilets. Fishermen may park in a day use area near the entrance.

West Dolores

The West Dolores Campground is similar to Mavreeso and just a mile up the road. There are 13 sites on 10 acres near the ever. Most are shady and level, and several are suitable for large RVs. There is a dump station. One site has a table that accommodates wheelchairs. All sites are first-come, first-served. There is day-use parking near the entrance.

After passing the campground, the West Dolores Road continues for 15 miles through the scenic river valley before coming to Dunton. Side roads lead into the backcountry. There are several parcels of private land along the river; please abide by postings of access restrictions.

Snow closes the road above Dunton from about mid-November to May.

Burro Bridge

Two miles past Dunton, Burro Bridge Campground is a good base camp for hikes into the Lizard Head Wilderness. The campground has 15 sites on a sloping hillside above the river. A few trees give shade, and there are some good tent sites. RVs can fit in a few pull-thrus. One site has a table suitable for wheelchairs.

The Navajo Lake Trail begins about a mile beyond Burro Bridge. The trail follows the West Dolores River into the Wilderness to its headwaters in Navajo Basin. The basin is surrounded by high peaks, including El Diente, Mount Wilson, and Wilson Peak, each over 14,000 feet high.

The Calico National Recreation Trail begins about four miles north of Burro Bridge. Trailhead parking is about a mile south of FDR 535 on FDR 471. The trail continues south across marshlands, through wooded areas, and uphill to scenic highlands. You can choose several routes via connecting trails for a day hike or an extended backpack.

Cayton

Eight miles beyond Burro Bridge, after winding down the hillside near Coal Creek, FDR 535 rejoins Highway 145 across from the Cayton Campground. The campground is six miles northeast of Rico on Hwy. 145 and about 43 miles from Dolores.

The entrance is 1/2 mile off Hwy. 145 on the Barlow Creek Road (FDR 578). Because of its access to the state highway and the Dolores River, Cayton is very popular. There is plenty of fishing along the river, but it may be crowded on summer weekends.

Two loops offer a choice of sites. The lower one, near the river, has 14 mostly level spots with limited shade and three day-use picnic sites. The upper loop is gently sloping, with 13 sites. Both loops have pull-thrus and shady tent sites. There is a dump station. At 9,400 feet, expect cool evenings, even in the summer.

The Barlow Creek Road continues past the campground and crosses Bolam Pass to connect with the Hermosa Park Road and U.S. Highway 550. Road conditions near the pass often limit travel to high-clearance vehicles.

The Colorado Trail, between Durango and Denver, follows the ridge across Bolam Pass. Views here are outstanding.

North of Cayton, Highway 145 (the San Juan Skyway) crosses Lizard Head Pass and enters the Uncompahgre National Forest. The Lizard Head and Cross Mountain Trails near the pass lead to alpine basins surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks.

To the south, the Priest Gulch Trailhead, 11 miles southwest of Rico, leads to the alpine country to the west. Fourteen miles south of Rico, the Bear Creek Trail heads southeast into the La Platas. For information, contact the Dolores Ranger District.

Move on to San Juan National Forest Camping

Return to Top

RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Colorado Resources
GORPtravel Adventure Vacations