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Epic alpine trail accessible to the day rider.


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Map Key

20.5

Miles

33.0

KM

0%

Singletrack

12,094' 3,686 m

High

10,891' 3,320 m

Low

2,310' 704 m

Up

2,310' 704 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is an excellent up-and-back segment of the CT that will give the intermediate rider a taste of alpine riding without the deep commitment of some of the area loops.

Description

Park at the Molas Pass overlook and carefully cross the highway to the trailhead a couple of hundred feet downhill. Alternately, you can use the parking area near Little Molas Lake.

While the grades are forgiving, this is a serious trail. Take plenty of liquid and calories, and be prepared for wind, rain, sleet, and hail.

Head west, passing Little Molas Lake and gradually climbing into a clear area that is an old burn. The first three miles are all uphill so you can turn around at any point and be pretty confident of getting home. The trail is a bit rutted but in good condition. Watch for hikers and others.

Beyond 5 miles the trail enters forest, becoming narrower with a steep cross slope in places. There are few technical obstacles but some riders might want to walk short sections that are above cliff bands.

On the way back there are some hills, but they are relatively minor.

As you get out about 9 miles there is some muskeg (swampy) trail but it is not too bad. Keep an eye out for the interesting "karst" or cavernous terrain: a spring, sinkholes, and a stream that sinks underground.

At the junction with Engineer Mountain Trail continue on to a big loop or roll back east.

Note that the segment of the CT immediately to the east passes through wilderness. The next section that mountain bikers can ride is Colorado Trail: Stony Pass to West Pole Creek Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Geronimo

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 31 votes

#1

in Silverton

#446

Overall
  4.7 from 31 votes
5 Star
77%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Silverton

#115

in Colorado

#446

Overall
17 Views Last Month
20,152 Since Sep 12, 2014
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
19%
11%
70%
0%

Photos

Climbing from Molas Pass with Engineer Mountain in view
Nov 14, 2015 near Silverton, CO
Sharon and Jeremy enjoying the awesome scenery of the San Juans from the Colorado Trail.
Nov 14, 2015 near Silverton, CO
Trail tread is generally good with muskeg in spots
Sep 13, 2014 near Silverton, CO
Molas Pass to Engineer.
Aug 13, 2022 near Silverton, CO
Molas Pass to Engineer.
Aug 13, 2022 near Silverton, CO
Molas Pass to Engineer.
Aug 13, 2022 near Silverton, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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