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Hikes/United States/Colorado/San Juan Mountain Range
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
419 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2-3h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Smelter Mountain Trail

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Table of contents

The Smelter Mountain Trail is a stunning hike in the San Juan Mountains that offers amazing views overlooking Durango. While out hiking the trail, you will quickly gain elevation up the steep slope of the mountainside, before meeting up with a road that will take you to the summit for views over the town. While the best time to access this trail is during the May-October window, it can also be hiked in the winter, albeit with very reduced opening hours.

Route Description for Smelter Mountain Trail

While there are certainly longer and more technical hiking routes in the San Juan Mountains, the Smelter Mountain Trail is a fantastic adventure if you are looking for a good amount of elevation gain and stunning views, all without straying too far from Durango.

Setting out from the parking area, you will head to the northwest and cross over a small creek bed, before working your way up the steep slopes of the mountain. After gaining some elevation and an amazing sightline overlooking Durango, you will make your way west in the direction of the summit of Smelter Mountain.

Here, you will meet up with a road that will take you past several radio towers on the way to the summit. After taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, you will turn back and carefully descend the mountainside on the return leg into the trailhead.

Getting to the Smelter Mountain Trail Trailhead

The starting point for the Smelter Mountain Trail can be found near the junction of Smelter Place and County Road 210.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    May-October

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Smelter Mountain Trail Elevation Graph

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