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.