Distance: 9 miles Elevation Gain: 1560′ Starting Elevation: 10,040′ Rating: Moderate Quartz Lake is reached via the Little Blanco Trailhead which is reached by traveling on a gravel road approximately 13 miles east of Pagosa Springs. The road is nice and easy for 2 wheel drive and gets you into the wilderness without much effort. [...]
Distance: 8.4-10.6 miles RT (the shorter distance is from 4wd road) Elevation Gain: 3100′-3600′Starting Elevation: 9,200′ Rating: Moderate to Difficult Notes: Pay close attention when driving to the trailhead and continue past the Bachelor/Syracuse mine tour sign. We made the mistake of turning left when you see the mine tour sign. The name is intriguing [...]
Distance: 8 miles RT Elevation Gain: 1,674′ Starting Elevation: 10,604′ Rating: Easy to Moderate The Molas Trail is a reverse hike. You head down about 1700 feet into the Animas Canyon and then back up. The hike is fairly easy and not too long so it would be a good option for a half-day hike. [...]
Distance: 6.6 miles RT to lower lake Elevation Gain: 1600′ Starting Elevation: 9,350′ Rating: Moderate The Blue Lakes Trail between Ridgway and Telluride is perhaps my all time favorite hike or at least in the top 3. The color of the lakes brings to mind some of the glacial lakes around Lake Louise near Banff. [...]