Colorado Trail - Kennebec Pass to Junction Creek

Animas River Drainage

Located within the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest, the 21 mile Kennebec Pass to Junction Creek section of the Colorado Trail is also referred to as Sliderock Trail & Junction Creek Trail is rated More Difficult, and receives Heavy use. The Kennebec Pass to Junction section of the Colorado Trail begins at an elevation of 11,600' (Kennebec Pass) and an ending elevation of 6,960' (Junction Creek). Dropping 4,790' in elevation from Kennebec Pass to Junction Creek, this section of the Colorado Trail is the greatest single altitude change along the trail.

Three access points are available:

1. Kennebec Pass: Travel 11 miles west from Durango Colorado along US 160 to FDR 571. Turn north onto FDR 571 and continue 14 miles. The last few miles are 4WD recommended.

2. Junction Creek: Travel 3 miles west along 25th street in Durango Colorado to the Forest boundary. The trail begins on the left. More parking is available 1.1 miles up FDR 543 at the first switchback. The trail is on the west side of the road.

3. Continue beyond access #2 along FDR 543 for 17.5 miles to the side road to the south. Turn and continue for 0.7 miles. The trail will cross the road.

Dolores County Colorado

San Juan County Colorado

La Plata County Colorado

Montezuma County Colorado