Piedra River Trail Hike

The Piedra River Trail hike is an 11 mile one-way hike. However, the logistics of leaving a vehicle at each end of the can be difficult. Instead of hiking the trail one-way, many people hike out and back from each end of the trail. The most commonly used trailhead is the north trailhead off of Piedra Rd (CR 600/ FS 631).

Elevation Start: 7867 ft at north trailhead
Elevation at Peak: 7867ft (Trail follows river)
Trail: One way (can be Out and Back)
Trail Length: 10.8 miles one-way
Allowed: Hiking, Dogs, and Horses
Piedra River Trail #596

Piedra River Trail Hike #596

One of the most popular hikes in Pagosa Springs is the Piedra River Trail. The majority of people utilize the north trailhead off of Piedra Rd. Due to the popularity, passing hikers and families will be common, but don’t let that interfere with your decision to hike the trail. Piedra River Trail is a great hike for the entire family as an out and back option allows you to customize the length of your hike accordingly.

The first 1.15 miles of the trail descend into the river canyon. A highlight of the hike is the area where the river winds through the canyon. Rock climbers love this area during the summer, and anchor points can be seen on the rock faces along the trail. Watching the climbers can be entertaining. Be sure to explore the many side trails which lead you to the river, other interesting rock formations and several small caves.

After exiting the rock canyon portion of the hike, the trail flattens out and continues through a wide meadow along the river. In the early summer months, the wildflowers in the meadow are breathtaking. 1.75 miles into the hike is the “first bridge” which crosses Williams Creek. This is a popular place to turn around. However, shortly after the bridge, views of Ice Cave Ridge come into sight. Regardless of where you choose to turn back to the trailhead, the views Ice Cave Ridge and the Weminuche Wilderness are stunning.

Fishing the Piedra River

Fishing the Piedra river during the summer and fall months is popular with anglers. To access the river from the trailhead off of CR 600 / FS 631, follow the trail through the canyon. At the 1.15 marker the terrain flattens out, and the river opens up, providing an ideal fly fishing location.

Directions to the North Trailhead

From US 160, drive North on Piedra Road (CR 600/FS 631) for 16-miles. The parking lot for the trailhead is located on the left-hand side just after crossing the Piedra River bridge. Note that the parking lot and trailhead are shared with the Ice Cave Ridge trail and is large enough to hold many cars.

Google Maps directions to Piedra River Trailhead

First Fork Trailhead

The Lower Piedra River trailhead and the First Fork trailhead are one in the same. The trail begins along the Piedra River and climbs above the river for several miles. The views above the river are well worth the climb, however there is limited access to the river along this portion of the trail. Private land surrounds the trail during the initial .75 miles, and hikers must stay on the trail when traveling through this portion of the trail.

Directions to First Fork Trailhead

From Pagosa Springs drive West on Hwy 160 for 22-miles to First Fork Road. Turn north onto First Fork Road (FS 622), and travel on FS 622 for 12 miles where the road ends. The trailhead is located on the far side of the river. Please note that First Fork Road is a dirt and gravel road, and can be rough and dusty.

Google Maps directions to First Fork Trailhead