Engineer Mountain Trail
Durango to TH
34 Miles
Gain
3600 Feet
Condition
Poor
Region
Trail Length
9.2 Miles
Part of the High Country trails.
Engineer Mountain is a favorite hike or ride that is well marked and in close proximity to Durango, making it quite popular in the summertime. Engineer Mountain is the prominent “double” cone which can be seen when driving northbound on Highway 550 beyond Purgatory in the San Juan National Forest. It is a fun and challenging mountain with awesome panoramic views in all directions from the summit, since it’s nearly 13,000’ and stands alone. The most direct ascent starts at Coal Bank Pass on Highway 550 and goes up the Pass Creek Trail. While only 4.4 miles round trip, it’s considered a difficult climb due to the narrow ridge, loose talus, and the exposed crux move. Gain is 2,378 feet. The hike climbs up moderate switchbacks and then gradually climbs up to the base of Engineer Mountain. Much of it falls on the heavily timbered northern aspect of the mountain, and patches of snow may linger in mid-summer. Toward the top, the trail breaks out into beautiful alpine meadows at the base of the peak, offering sweeping views of the Needles Mountains and Animas Valley. This hike is great in July/August when wild Columbine, Orchids, Primrose, Geraniums, Coneflowers are abundant – and the views are incredible.
Map & Directions
Map Coordinates: 37.696589, -107.799482
Where's the Trailhead?
dIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
Coal Bank Pass / Engineer Mountain Trail Parking
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. Coal Bank Pass is 35 miles north of Durango, 13.5 miles south of Silverton, on Hwy 550. Slow down after mile marker 56 (it’s between mm 56 and 57), and you will see a parking area and restroom facility on the east side of the road at Coal Bank Pass with a pull off spot with restroom facilities (but don’t park there). Instead, there is a dirt road to the west which is close to the trail head (opposite the rest area) with a small parking area; it is hard to see, so slow down. You will see the trailhead heading north from the parking lot; start there. Make sure you have plenty of water, warm layers, and rain gear. It should take 4 hours to casually hike up and back.
Trailwork
help build our trails!
National Trails Day | Saturday, June 4th
Join us to help build a New Trail on Animas Mountain on June 4th from 9:00 am – 1:00 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.
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Trip Reports and Recent Photos
Engineer Mountain Trail
Submitted by: Doug
Date Visited:
6/15/21
Trail Condition:
Good
Comments:
Sawyers have cleared all but four trees, three requiring dismounts. Couple negligible bits of snow remain. Many thanks to sawyers who’ve cleared a massive number of large trees.
