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Simply one of the best alpine descents in Colorado.


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Map Key

9.9

Miles

15.9

KM

Singletrack

12,185' 3,714 m

High

9,075' 2,766 m

Low

543' 165 m

Up

3,601' 1,098 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

As a reminder, please be mindful of other trail users and yield to uphill traffic.

Description

This popular trail is technical in a few sections mainly north of Pass Trail, but is very rideable and fun overall (especially south of Pass Trail). The views at the top are very nice!

There are several different ways to access this trail, the easiest being from the top of Coal Bank Pass (10,600 ft.) via the Pass Creek trail. Once Pass Creek trail meets Engineer Mountain Trail, take a left and get ready for a fun descent after about half a mile. The downhill is only steep in a few locations; it contains plenty of roots and switchbacks, but only a few rock gardens (no big mandatory moves). This option is typically done with a shuttle vehicle at the bottom of the trail (or hitchhike back up).

Alternatively, you can ride the Colorado Trail from Molas Pass and link up with the EMT. This is a high alpine ride which also is typically done with a shuttle (this option is strenuous, approx. 20 miles, with nearly 3,000 feet of climbing, most of which is done above 11,000 feet.). Upon reaching EMT from Molas Pass Trail, there is a short but steep and mildly shelfy descent (not recommended for beginners). Then the trail has a series of steep uphill grades, some are difficult to clean due to altitude, grade, and loose dirt. Eventually you'll pass Pass Trail on your left, and from there you have about a half a mile before the fun downhill.

Another option is to approach from the bottom for an out and back. This option is open earlier in the year. Climb until it gets wet/snowy and then turn around and enjoy the descent.

Contacts

Shared By:

San Juanderer with improvements by Pierce Fussell and 2 others

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 39 votes

#1

in Silverton

#228

Overall
  4.6 from 39 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Silverton

#87

in Colorado

#228

Overall
18 Views Last Month
15,303 Since May 7, 2014
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
6%
19%
75%
0%

Photos

The view from the trails exit
Oct 8, 2017 near Rico, CO
Aspens going off! During a memorable finish through the aspens at the trails end.
Oct 5, 2017 near Rico, CO
Looking back at engineer mtn after the screamer descent!
Oct 8, 2017 near Rico, CO
Mountain view from the Engineer Mountain Trail.
Sep 11, 2024 near Silverton, CO
Climbing towards the high point. Photo: Erich Harman
Aug 25, 2024 near Silverton, CO
Descending the upper Engineer Mountain Trail. Photo: Erich Harman
Aug 25, 2024 near Silverton, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 90 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 3, 2024
Taylor Reynolds
Jul 1, 2022
Erland Mowinckel
Jul 4, 2021
Anni Hurt
From the top of Coal Basin. 5 miles of sweet DH
Sep 25, 2020
Pierce Fussell
Molas Pass to EMT. Was a long day in the saddle but the DH is worth it. The uphills from Molas Pass trail to EMT DH are deceptively steep and strenous 20mi — 6h 00m
Aug 28, 2020
Lester Pardoe
Molas pass CT to Engineer down to the bottom (all AWESOME!!!!) then rode the road to S Durango. Great way to finish the CT, when you don't have time. 49mi — 7h 00m
Jul 8, 2020
Kenny P
Solo
Jul 7, 2020
Kenny P
With Henry
Jul 5, 2020
Ted Prier
5.7mi — 0h 34m

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