Gunnison, CO – The Dillon Pinnacles Trail in the Curcanti National Recreational Area is 4 miles in length (roundtrip) and gains 600 feet of elevation. Ascending through sagebrush, ponderosa pine and riparian habitats, this trail offers spectacular views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, the distant San Juan Mountain peaks, and the weirdly eroded volcanic Dillon Pinnacles. Along the trail are a few shady places to rest and open sunny vistas with possible glimpses of bighorn sheep.
The parking area is well signed
Blue Mesa Reservoir from the trail
The trail leaves from the signed trailhead and travels along the edge of the Blue Mesa Reservoir climbing slowly at first. Once the trail reaches a drainage it begins to climb more earnestly up through the drainage past ponderosa pine, spruce and gambel oak. Enjoy the views of the pinnacles before returning the same route back to the trailhead.
The Dillon Pinnacles Trail travels across a sagebrush slope
The trail travels the edge of the reservoir
The Dillon Pinnacles
Approaching the treed drainage that climbs to Dillon Pinnacles
Stop to admire the pinnacles and the trees from the well placed bench
Dillon Pinnacles
Bitterbrush and the Blue Mesa Reservoir near the trailhead
The trailhead is located along Highway 50 about 20 miles west of Gunnison, Colorado near what locals refer to as the ‘middle bridge’ of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The trailhead is clearly signed, has a good number of parking spaces and a vault toilet.
We hiked here while staying at the Crested Butte RV Resort, but this trail is closer to the Gunnison KOA. During our stay in Crested Butte we also hiked:
- West Maroon Pass Trail (Maroon Bells Wilderness)
- Cliff Creek to Beckwith Bench Trail
- Lost Lake and Lily Lake Trails near Kebler Pass
- Crystal Creek Trail (Curecanti NRA)
