Hiking Trails

• Fish Creek Trail: This nine mile trail follows along the banks of Fish Creek through numerous dense growth meadows. Be prepared for several stream and creek crossings. A large and well-marked rock slide is easily crossed about one-third of the way up. Good fishing is reported, especially above the rock slide. Lush meadows also create a welcome environment for flies and mosquitoes. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are advisable, as well as insect repellent. The trail is open to horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikes (although their use could be difficult in places).
  To reach the trail, travel up the West Dolores Road to a fork in the road (8 miles) then turn west. The road then travels through private property until the U.S. Forest Service sign.
• Mavresso Trail: This trail is named after a friendly Ute war chief, Mavresso. During summers, the chief camped at the head of the canyon which also carries his name. The trail starts at 8,700 feet in altitude and ends at 9,000 feet. The trail is 2.5 miles long. It is a popular trail, used to access the Nipple Mountain area. The trail starts in an aspen forest, and brings you to a grassy meadow, then into oak brush territory.
  To find the trail, travel five miles up the West Dolores Road to Forest Service Road #532 (Cottonwood Road), proceed about three miles. The trail head is posted on the east side of the road before Cottonwood Springs.
• Fall Creek Trail: This is a good trail for cross country skiers and for persons who like to snowshoe. The lower portion of the trail follows a road. The first two-thirds of the trail is quite scenic and a constant climb. The next mile follows an old logging road and is clear cut. The last portion is much steeper, though switchbacks help alleviate some of the more difficult parts. Conifer and aspen forests provide a good habitat for mule deer, elk, and various birds. The trail is the quickest ascent to the Calico Trail.
  To locate the trail, travel south after passing through Dunton. Remember, Dunton is private property, and should be treated with respect. The trail is four miles long. It starts at 8,800 feet and ends at 11,600 feet.
• Geyser Springs Trail: Colorado's only true geyser is located a the end of Geyser Springs Trail. The geyser erupts every 30-40 minutes with slight action for 12-15 minutes. The smell of sulfur gas is strong with the eruption. The geyser flows into a small hot pool where the water temperature is 82 degrees. The total hike is one and a half miles long. It rises approximately 900 feet in elevation. The ascent is gradual and passes through aspen forests and small meadows.
  To find the trail head, go 2.2 miles south of Dunton (or 23.3 miles from the junction of Colorado State Highway 145 and the West Road) and cross the West Dolores River.
• Horse Creek Trail: By traveling north of Rico for two miles, you will find a gate that provides access to the Horse Creek Trail head. You can drive beyond the gate for one mile before the actual trail takes off. This trail has a 2,000 foot climb in its three mile stretch, starting at 9,500 feet and ending at 11,760 feet. Persons coming from sea level and mountain bikers should be aware that the last climb is very steep. Horses account for half the total usage of this trail. The hike up takes one through lush meadows, spruce, fir, and aspen forests inhabited by mule deer, elk, coyote, and smaller mammals such as the vagrant shrew. Several species of reptiles also make their home here. Approximately 1.5 miles from the trail head is an old mine with a vertical shaft about 10 feet off the trail: BE CAREFUL.
• Navajo Lake Trail: Only the well-conditioned hiker should attempt this five mile hike. It has steep switchbacks and climbs to 11,154 feet in altitude. Navajo Lake and the trail have some special rules for visitors.
  Please do not camp on the shoreline or above the tree line.
  Try to camp so other campers cannot see or hear you.
  Please deposit human waste more than 100 feet from the lake or streams.
  Camp in different spots each night to avoid damage to the vegetation.
  The only way to get to Navajo Lake is to hike to it. To locate the trail, travel one mile north of the Burro Bridge Campground and turn west into a parking lot. It is advised that you boil your water before drinking it, or carry water in. This is an ideal overnight trip. Pick up brochures at the entrance and register.
• Scotch Creek Toll Road: Scotch Creek Toll Road is a 19th century stage and wagon road. It starts three miles south of the Town of Rico on Highway 145 when you turn east on Forest Road #550. The trail is at 8,600 feet in altitude at its beginning and has sections as high as 9,178. The road can be traveled by vehicle, but travelers must be aware that the roads are steep and can be slippery when wet.