Best trails in Mancos, Colorado

To access the trail head you must drive 4-5 miles on a moderately difficult 4-wheel drive road. Only the last 1.5 miles are high clearance. You can park at the junction of the last mile if you don't have a high clearance vehicle. Please only attempt this road in dry weather. Show more

Beginning from the Sharkstooth TH, you may find you have to park further down the forest road depending on conditions and vehicle choice (high clearance recommended). Begin on the West Mancos Trail as it wonders through dense pine and spruce forest, crossing the Mancos River and skirting the base of the prominent western ridgeline of Hesperus Mountain. There are various options when leaving the West Mancos Trail to gain the ridgeline, look for faint impressions of switchbacks in the talus fields through the trees. The main indicator is the notorious "black streak" running from the top of the ridge down about half way to the main West Mancos Trail. On the way up, it is best to stay just off the black streak, using the almost step like features to quickly gain elevation. Slow and steady here until the top of the ridge. Once you gain the ridge you'll be looking at the real crux of the path to the summit in a short bench-like feature along the ridge. The rock and talus can be loose here so choose your footing wisely and don't rush through this section. After gaining the steep bench it's a San Juan talus march to the summit where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Sleeping Ute, Abajos, La Sals, and southern San Juan range. If the winds aren't howling you might be able to have a chat with someone across the basin on the summit of Centennial Peak. On the descent take care coming down the bench. At the black streak the soil is soft and those who are willing can "scree-ski" down this sandy soil to make great time and ease some of the strain on the knees. Show more