Colorado Trail - Highline Trail

The Highline Trail (520) is part of the Colorado Trail, passing through aspen forests, spruce and fir forests, and alpine areas. The trail travels between Sliderock Trail #622 at Kennebec Pass at the top of La Plata Co Rd) and Blackhawk Trail #501 at the top of Hotel Draw FR 550.

The Highline Loop Trail was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1979 because of it's scenic recreational value. can be accessed at Kennebec Pass. The loop links the following trails: Colorado Trail, Sharkstooth Trail (620), Bear Creek Trail (607), Grindstone Trail (608), and back to the Highline/CO Trail (520). Elevations start at Kennebec Pass around 11,600 feet, descent to 9,200' in the Bear Creek drainage then back out again to over 12,000' along the Highline/ CO Trail. The loop can also be accessed from Bear Creek Trail (607) and Gold Run Trail (618).

Distance (one-way): 19 miles
Maximum elevation: 12,300 feet
Minimum elevation: 10,300 feet

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

520

General Information

Water is available; purification is recommended.

Non-motorized use only.

Address: 367 Pearl Street Bayfield, CO 81122
Phone: (970) 884-2512
Hours: Friday only, 10:00am-4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

From Hesperus, CO: Hesperus is about 17 miles east of Mancos and 10 miles west of Durango on U.S. Highway 160.

Kennebec Pass Access: Drive ~½ mile northwest of Hesperus on U.S. 160 to reach the beginning of La Plata Co Rd 124. Head 14 miles north to Kennebec Pass.
Gold Run Trail Access: Visit Gold Run Trail #618 for directions to the Gold Run trailhead. Follow the Gold Run Trail, head north on Bear Creek Trail until the junction with the Highline Loop Trail.
Bear Creek Trail Access: Visit Bear Creek Trail #607 for directions to the Bear Creek Trailhead. Follow Bear Creek Trail to junction with Highline Loop Trail.