The hiking trails in Pagosa Springs and the surrounding are abundant and beautiful with opportunities for all ages. For Trailhead Directions go to All Trails Map.
Below are some of the best hiking trails in Pagosa Springs to enjoy during your visit!
Opal Lake Hiking Trail
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Mileage: 1.2 miles - Trailhead: Drive south on Colo. 84 from Pagosa Springs approximately eight miles to Blanco Basin Road (#657). After driving 10 miles, turn right across the Blanco River Bridge. Follow the Castle Creek Road (#660) to the signed junction for the Opal Lake Trailhead.
- Turn right here and drive a short distance to the trailhead on the right.
- Description: The trail to Opal Lake is 1.2 miles and takes about 45 minutes to hike.
- A portion of the trail is steep before it traverses an open meadow to the lake.
- Groves of large aspen line the trail and several beaver dams can be seen in the area.
- The lake is bordered by wooded hillsides and a sheer mountain face.
- Minerals deposited at the inlet of the lake give it its milky color.
Piedra River Hiking Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Mileage: Depends on destination
- Trailhead: The upper terminus of the trail begins on the Piedra Road about 16 miles north of Pagosa Springs. After crossing the Piedra River you will notice the trailhead parking lot ahead of you on the left.
- The trail starts on the canyon rim and then descends to the river. Sheer cliffs rise on both sides for over several hundred yards.
- Description: This is an easy trail for young and old alike if you only go the 3.5 miles to the footbridge across the Piedra.
- For a longer hike, follow the river for another 8.5 miles.
- The trail passes several cool box canyons to end at the bridge on the First Fork of the Piedra Road. Shuttle a vehicle to the First Fork Bridge for the longer hike.
Treasure Falls Hiking Trail
- Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, snowshoeing, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through November.
- Trail Length: 0.6 mile out-and-back or loop
- Elevation Gain: 196 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Traffic: Heavy Use
- Estimated Time: 30 min
- Dogs Allowed: Yes on Leash
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Turkey Creek Hiking Trail
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Mileage: Depends on destination
Trailhead: Drive 7.3 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160 to Jackson Mountain access road on the left. Follow it for four miles to the end of the road. - Description: This trail is the longest in this section of the Weminuche Wilderness.
- It is 20 miles from the trailhead through breathtaking scenery to the Continental Divide.
- Choose your own destination here.
- A five-mile hike will take you to the first creek crossing.
Williams Creek Hiking Trail
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Mileage: Depends on destination
- Trailhead: Drive north on Piedra Road about 22 miles. Turn right on Williams Creek Road (#640) past Williams Creek Reservoir and Cimarrona Campground, continuing on to the trailhead at the end of the road.
- Description: The trail follows Williams Creek northward into the Weminuche Wilderness.
- The first few miles of Williams Creek give the impression of a gigantic walled garden.
- Across the creek to the right is a group of peaks eroded from volcanic rock.
- Set your own destination — it continues on 14 miles to the Continental Divide.