Colorado Trail - Rico-Silverton Trail
Rico-Silverton Trail #507 is a section of the Colorado Trail, a through hike from Denver to Durango. This section of the Colorado Trail is popular for high elevation mountain biking routes. Road access to the trail is remote and 4WD, but many long loops are possible. The northern end of the trail begins off of FR 585, South Mineral Road, near Silverton. The southern trail access is off of the FR 578, Upper Hermosa Park Road, near Bolam Pass. The trail insects with Twin Sisters Trail #555 and Graysill Trail #506.
The trail winds through subalpine, coniferous forest, ascending above timberline to two high mountain passes, thus affording excellent views and good opportunities for photography. The alpine meadows above timberline typically abound with wildflowers at the end of July and in August. Grizzly Peak, Rolling Mountain, and Graysill Mountain are all accessible from the Rico/Silverton Trail, providing mountain-climbing possibilities for those interested.
Campsites are easily found in this area.
- Distance (one-way from FR 585 to FR 578): 12 miles
- Northern trailhead/minimum elevation: 10,700 feet (FR 585)
- Southern trailhead elevation: 11,100 feet (FR 578)
- Maximum elevation: 12,500 feet
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Water is easily found in this area; purification 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 Durango, CO: Take U.S. 550 30 miles north of Durango to FDR #578 and go 16 miles on this road until you reach the trailhead. Limited parking is available. 4WD or strong 2WD with good clearance may be required to reach this trailhead, located at the Celebration Lake access point, just before Bolam Pass.
From Silverton, CO: To reach the northern end of the trail, take U.S. 550 north of Silverton for about 2 miles and turn onto the South Mineral Rd. (FDR #585) Follow this dirt road past the campground roughly 2 miles to the Bandora Mine. Turn left slightly before the mine and follow the road across the creek. 2WD with good clearance should be adequate. Limited parking is available.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Celebration Lake is rated good for brook trout. Cascade Creek is rated fair for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.
Recreation Groups
The Colorado Trail (CT) covers 567 miles between Denver and Durango passing through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Colorado Rockies.