Recreation Region: Columbine Ranger District

Salt Creek Trail

Located in the Hermosa Wilderness, Salt Creek Trail #559 drops over 2,000 feet from the Highline/Colorado Trail #520 to Hermosa Creek Trail #514. The trail switchbacks down through meadows and aspen glades making this an all downhill adventure. The bottom of the trail is a bit rougher and steeper: watch your step. The trail goes along the creek the last few miles and offers views that seem almost tropical. After crossing the creek, the trail merges with the Hermosa Creek Trail.

Distance (one-way): 5.5 miles
Minimum elevation: 8,200 feet (junction with Hermosa Creek Trail)
Maximum elevation: 10,800 feet (junction with Highline/Colorado Trail)

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

559

General Information

Water available in Salt Creek; purification recommended.

This trail is located in the Hermosa Wilderness. Please review the full list of Wilderness Regulations. Regulations include:

Group size is limited to 15 people.
Combination of people and stock = 25.
Dogs under control.
No unattended campfires.
Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source.
Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land.
Possession of motorized equipment and mechanized means of transport are not permitted.
Please check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations.
Do not fly drones over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide.
Practice leave no trace ethics.

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: Head north approximately 26 miles on U.S. 550. Turn left (west) into Purgatory Ski Resort and continue on Hermosa Park Road, FR #578.

Access bottom of Salt Creek from Upper Hermosa Creek Trailhead: Continue onto Hermosa Park Road, FR #578 for approximately 7.5 miles. Trailhead is located on the south side. Hike about 5 miles down the upper Hermosa Creek Trail to the junction with Salt Creek.
Access top of Salt Creek from Colorado Trail: Continue on Hermosa Park Road, #578 for 10.5 miles to the junction with Hotel Draw Road. Turn west on this road and follow it about 5 miles to the junction with Scotch Creek Rd. Directly after this Y is a gate with the Colorado Trail leading south. There is adequate parking for several vehicles, and 4WD is recommended. Follow the Colorado Trail roughly 6 miles to the Salt Creek Trailhead.