Looking for a challenging and difficult hike? Coal Creek Trail is a point to point, 9-mile, hike climbing 3000 ft in elevation. The trail runs between East Fork Rd and Fawn Gulch Rd, and may be traversed in either direction. The trail reaches 10,500 ft before descending back down to the other side.
- Elevation Start: 8100ft at Fawn Gulch and 8220ft at East Fork
- Elevation at Peak: 10,881ft
- Trail: Point to Point
- Trail Length: 9 miles total
- Allowed: Hiking, Dogs, and Horses
- Coal Creek Trail #581
Regardless of your starting location, the trail begins with a steep climb and has a steep decline back down the other side. The peak marks the midpoint of the trail. The trail on the East Fork side is tree covered, however several scenic viewing locations are still available. At lower altitudes views are limited, however at higher altitudes views of the East Range are very nice. The Fawn Gulch side of the trail offers views of Pagosa Springs and the San Juan mountains.
The trail is well-defined and easy to follow except for a mile section on the Fawn Gulch side near the peak. Therefore it’s imperative to bring a map, or written instructions on how to navigate this section of the trail. The area of concern is the “meadow” where the path seems to disappear. The meadow is difficult to navigate, but even more so if you started from the Fawn Gulch side. Above all, prepare before heading out on the hike with proper understanding on how to cross this section of the trail. Below is a map showing the meadow area. When approaching from the Fawn Gulch side, simply cross the meadow until you reach the tree line. When you get to the tree line, turn south and follow the tree line until you find a clear path.
Directions to Fawn Gulch trailhead
From downtown Pagosa Springs drive east on US 160 past the junction with US 84. Four miles after the junction, turn right off of US 160 onto Fawn Gulch Road (FS 662). Continue down Fawn Gulch Road for another 4.2 miles. There is a parking area on the left side of the road where you will find the trailhead.
Google Maps directions to Fawn Gulch trailhead for Coal Creek Trail #581
Directions to East Fork trailhead
From downtown Pagosa Springs drive east on US 160 past the US 84 junction. 9.7 miles after the junction, turn right off of US 160 onto East Fork Road (FS 667). Continue down East Fork for another 3.5 miles. The trailhead will be on the right side of the road. Note that the trailhead is shared with Quartz Ridge Trail #570.
Google Maps directions to East Fork trailhead for Coal Creek Trail #581
Coal Creek Trail #581 PDF Map
