Pagosa Springs, CO – Pagosa Springs is a hiker’s paradise. During our June 2020 visit, we hiked the Piedra River and Little Blanco Trails described below. These two trails represent two ends of a spectrum: one is easy, had many hikers, and at a relatively low elevation showcasing a scenic river while the other is difficult, we saw no other hikers, and climbs to a high ridge for expansive views on its way to the Continental Divide. We also hiked 4 trails accessing the Weminuche Wilderness (CDT at Wolf Creek Pass, Turkey Creek, West Fork, and Four Mile Falls), and the CDT Trail at Elwood Pass described in a separate posts. On a prior trip in 2018 we hiked at Treasure Falls/Treasure Mountain, the CDT at Wolf Creek Pass, Reservoir Hill/Turkey Springs, and Flattop Mountain.
We used Falcon Guide’s: Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas by Donna Ikenberry and National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map # 145 Pagosa Springs & Bayfield in selecting our trails.
Piedra River Trail – Trail # 596
The Piedra River Trail travels 12 miles along the scenic Piedra River. The trail travels through scenic box canyons, along the canyon rim, and can be traveled from either end (two trailheads). The trailhead on Piedra Road North (CR 600) is located at 7,700 feet elevation. This is rated as an easy trail and we would concur. Piedra River Trail is a great early season hike due to its lower elevation and early snow melt.
The Piedra River Trailhead
From the parking area off Piedra Road North, there is a sign marking the beginning of the trail. The route follows along the river and gently rolls up and down hills with easy to moderate grades.
The Piedra River Trail showcases its namesake river
The trail travels through the river canyon
The scenic Piedra River
Another view along the trail
The trail is rated easy
The Piedra Road trailhead (CR 600/FS 631) can be reached by traveling 16 miles north from Highway 160, crossing the Piedra River and the trailhead parking is on the left. We combined this hike with a drive to the scenic Williams Creek Reservoir area which can be reached following posted signage. If you are looking for a scenic drive route, the Plumtaw/Piedra/Williams Creek Scenic Drive showcases the region’s mountains, valleys and the Piedra River and delivers you to the Piedra River Trail.
Williams Creek Reservoir
Williams Creek area
Little Blanco Trail – Trail # 571
The Little Blanco trail travels 8.2 miles to the Continental Divide Trail and is rated difficult. The trailhead sits at 10,040 feet elevation. The first 2 miles are steep and winding, gaining over 1,200 feet of elevation to a ridge. The trail enters the South San Juan Wilderness at 2.5 miles, but is not signed.
The Little Blanco Trailhead
Little Blanco Trail climbs through meadows of aspen and pine. There are several stream crossings that were quite manageable via rock hopping in early June. Moderate switchbacks ease the final ascent to the ridge. From the high vantage, views abound.
The Little Blanco Trail climbs steadily for the first 2 miles
The trail climbs through aspen and pine
Another view from the trail
From the higher elevation there are great views of the region
To reach Little Blanco Trail, take Highway 84 south from Highway 160 for 1/8 mile. Turn left onto Mill Creek Road (CR 302/ FS 662) and travel for 7 miles. Turn right onto Nipple Mountain Road (FS 665) and travel for 9.5 miles to the trailhead. The lower parts of this trip were typical washboard gravel road but the final 2-3 miles were very rocky and required slow travel.
We stayed at Wolf Creek Class A Motorcoach Resort while visiting Pagosa Springs. For another scenic drive in the region check out the East Fork of the San Juan. For a full day scenic drive there’s a 100+ mile loop through the Rio Grande National Forest.
