Big Lick
Durango to TH
35 Miles
Gain
1700 Feet
Condition
Poor
Region
Trail Length
6 Miles
Part of the Hermosa Creek Trail system.
Getting to Big Lick: Access is from Elbert Creek Trail to the intersection sign shown here, then head onto Big Lick and then you’ll come out onto the Hermosa Creek Trail (you’ll be across from the Big Bend trail). From here, you can either head south to the lower Hermosa Creek TH or north to the upper TH near Purgatory Resort.
Big Lick is approximately 6 miles with 1700 feet of elevation gain from Hermosa Creek. Elbert Creek is typically known as the trail from the Ridgeline down to the Needles Trail and on the east side of Hermosa Creek but some maps may call Big Lick Elbert Creek. This is a big ride and can be difficult to find. Be prepared.
Click here for more information about Elbert Creek trail, courtesy of MTBProject.
Map & Directions
Map Coordinates: 37.600701, -107.889234
Where's the Trailhead?
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
Access #1
Go 22 miles north of Durango on U.S. 550, then turn off the highway southwest of the Needles Country Store. The trailhead is at the corrals. Be sure to close the gates as you go through. Ample parking is available.
Access #2
Turn off onto FDR #578, 29 miles north of Durango on U.S. 550, and follow 2½ miles to a fork in the road. Take a left turn onto FDR #581 and follow for about 3 miles to where Elbert Creek and the trail cross the road.
Access #3
Access is available via the Hermosa Creek Trail. Follow FDR #578 for approximately 9 miles to the Hermosa Creek trailhead in Hermosa Park. Follow the trail roughly 5 miles downstream to the Big Lick Creek and Elbert Creek Trail junction.
Trailwork
help build our trails!
National Trails Day | Durango Trailwork at Dry Fork Trail
Celebrate National Trails Day by joining us for trailwork at Dry Fork Trail on June 3rd from 9am to 1pm. Lunch will be provided at the trailhead afterwards. Please note, registration is required to join us for trailwork; please click below to register.
