Pagosa Springs Hiking is popular due to the San Juan Mountains and wilderness areas. With a plethora of choices, one will always find a hike that is of interest. From short hikes to multi-day hikes, so strenuous uphill hikes to easy flat hikes.
Experience the San Juan Mountains and Weminuche Wilderness
Pagosa Springs is a hiker’s paradise. With close to 2 million acres in the San Juan National Forest, there’s a hike for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through the forest and trees with the kids or something more extreme, Pagosa has it all.
San Juan Mountains Hiking
The San Juan Mountains span across southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico. There are several peaks that eclipse 14,000ft in elevation, offering some extreme hiking and climbing. A portion of the Continental Divide Trail cuts through the range and is a popular multi-day hike the San Juan Mountains. The San Juan Mountains are also rich with history. One can find abandoned mines and ghost towns throughout the area and along many hiking trails. Adventure awaits hikers of all skill levels and interest.
Weminuche Wilderness Hiking
The largest wilderness area in Colorado, the Weminuche, makes up a significant portion of the San Juan National Forest. Designated by Congress through the Wilderness Act of 1964, an area meeting certain qualifications can be deemed a ‘Wilderness’. Qualifications of the area include land “administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such a manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness”. Therefore, human activities are limited to non-motorized recreation such as backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, scientific research, and other non-invasive activities. Thus, the Weminuche Wilderness is an excellent setting for outdoor adventure.
Turkey Springs Trail System Hiking
The Turkey Springs Trail System offers miles and miles trails that can be combined to make the perfect length hike for you. Whether you are looking for a short hike with the family or a longer overnight hike, the Turkey Springs Trail System offers it all. Some of the more popular trails are the Upper Rim Trail, the Lower Rim Trail, the Catamount Trail, the Bear Trail, and the Creek Trail.
Pagosa Springs Hiking Trails on Project Hike
Cascading Waterfalls and Family-Friendly Paths
Pagosa Springs is famous for its natural hot springs, but its trails often lead to equally therapeutic sights, especially stunning waterfalls.2
| Trail Name | Length (Round Trip) | Difficulty | Key Features |
| Treasure Falls | 0.7 miles | Easy | Iconic, easily accessible waterfall right off Highway 160. Perfect for a quick, scenic stop. |
| Piedra Falls | 1.0 miles | Easy | Short, family-friendly hike to a huge, cascading waterfall. The drive in offers beautiful views of the Piedra River Valley. |
| Opal Lake Trail | 2.4 miles | Easy/Moderate | Winds through aspen groves to a shimmering lake whose unique milky color comes from mineral deposits. Great for fall colors. |
| San Juan Riverwalk | 3.4 miles | Easy | Paved path right in downtown Pagosa Springs, ideal for a casual stroll, viewing the hot springs, and watching river tubers in summer. |
Challenging Treks and Backcountry Adventures
For the seasoned hiker, the mountains surrounding Pagosa Springs offer longer, more demanding trails that lead into high-altitude wilderness, often crossing the Continental Divide.
Fourmile Falls Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 8.3 miles (out-and-back)
- Elevation Gain: 1,148 ft.
- Highlights: Considered one of the area’s best hikes, this trail takes you through Aspen and Spruce-fir forests to the impressive Fourmile Falls.5 Be sure to carry on past the main falls—a second, quieter waterfall awaits a little further up the increasingly steep trail.6
Piedra River Trail (#596)
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Moderate
- Length: 11.5 miles (one-way, best done as a shorter out-and-back)
- Highlights: A local favorite that follows the Piedra River. The first couple of miles from the popular trailhead take you into a cool box canyon with sheer cliffs, perfect for a shorter, beautiful day hike. The full length is an excellent choice for a long day or overnight backpacking trip.
Pagosa Peak
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 11.1 miles (out-and-back)
- Elevation Gain: 3,903 ft.
- Highlights: For a serious challenge and unparalleled panoramic views, Pagosa Peak is the highest point in the immediate area at 12,640 feet.11 Note that this unmaintained route is steep, rugged, and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle just to reach the official starting point.
Continental Divide Trail (CDT)
A section of this monumental national scenic trail runs near Pagosa Springs, offering access to the remote, high-alpine grandeur of the Weminuche Wilderness. Access points like Wolf Creek Summit allow experienced hikers to tackle segments of this world-class path.
🎒 Hiking Safety & Local Tips
When hiking in the Pagosa Springs area, it’s crucial to be mindful of the mountain environment:
- Altitude Awareness: Many trailheads begin above 8,000 feet. Take your time, hydrate frequently, and be aware of the signs of altitude sickness.
- Weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Always pack layers, including rain gear, even on sunny days. Plan to be off summits and exposed ridges by noon to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and lightning.
- Navigation: While popular trails are well-marked, always carry a map and compass or a reliable GPS app.
- Wildlife: You are in bear country. Be sure to know how to store food properly, and keep an eye out for elk, deer, and other local residents.
- Leave No Trace: Help preserve the pristine San Juan National Forest by packing out all trash and staying on designated trails.
Whether you seek the misty spray of a waterfall or the sweeping vista from a high mountain pass, the trails of Pagosa Springs promise a deeply rewarding Colorado hiking experience.
Pagosa Springs Hiking Articles
Spring Break in Pagosa Springs
Prepare to Hike in the San Juan Mountains
Lobo Pass Trail Hike
Turkey Creek Trail Hike
San Juan Riverwalk
Williams Creek Trail Hike
Upper Rim Trail – Turkey Springs
Buckles Lake and Harris Lake Trail Hike
Turkey Springs Trail System
