Cascade Creek Trail
Durango to TH
29 Miles
Gain
835 Feet
Condition
Good
Region
Trail Length
8.1 Miles
Photo Courtesy of Missy Thompson
Part of the High Country trail system.
Cascade Creek Trail is an 8-mile moderately difficult hike or bike ride between Durango and Silverton. Cascade Creek follows along the western base of the mountain and often sees less traffic than other popular high-country trails in the area.
Depending on conditions, Cascade Creek Trail goes on both the east and west sides of the creek and continues for a few miles to spectacular waterfalls and a footbridge over Engine Creek. Engineer Mountain Trail takes off from the same parking area. This provides southern access to Graysill Trail, Engine Creek Trail, and the Rico-Silverton/Colorado Trail (at high country).
Map & Directions
Map Coordinates: 37.678997, -107.829463
Where's the Trailhead?
dIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
Cascade Creek Parking Area
From 9th Street and Main Avenue in Durango, head west on 9th Street toward Camino Del Rio (Highway 550). Turn right onto Camino Del Rio (HWY 550) and continue north on Hwy 550 past Purgatory Resort toward Silverton. 28.5 miles from Durango, there is a hairpin turn to the right at Cascade Creek. Turn left across the road at this turn onto Forest Service Road 783. Follow this road for approximately 3/4 mile to a small parking area on the left. From here, the trail continues on the road over the bridge and quickly becomes singletrack. Make sure you have plenty of water, warm layers, and rain gear.
Trailwork
help build our trails!
Cutthroat Trail Maintenance | Saturday, September 25th
Join us for trail maintenance on Cutthroat Trail on September 25th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please click below to register.
Love the Trails Like a Local
Say Hi
Greet all trail users by saying hi when passing on the trail.
Announce Yourself
Say "on your left" as approaching other trail users from behind.
Pick Up After Yourself
Pick up after yourself and your pet. Please don’t litter.
Keep Dogs on a Leash
Keep your dogs on a leash or leave them at home. Off-leash dogs are not allowed on City Open Space and are the number one source of trail conflict.
Stay on the Trail
Help protect natural areas and habitats by staying on established trails. Creating "social trails", cutting switchbacks, or ignoring trail closures leads to greater erosion and impacts on ecosystems.
Give Uphill Traffic the
Right of Way
Uphill traffic always has the right of way. Downhill traffic must be in control, especially around blind corners, to avoid coming in contact with uphill traffic.
Check Conditions
Stay up to date by checking the Trail Conditions report and following us on Facebook or Instagram.
Give Back
Donate to Durango Trails or volunteer for trailwork to help give back to the trails you love.
