The best walks and hikes around Molas

Molas offers a diverse network of over 15 hiking trails, catering to various skill levels. These include easy strolls with panoramic views, moderate paths through wildflower meadows, and challenging mountain ascents into the high alpine terrain of the San Juan Mountains.

Hikers in Molas will experience stunning high alpine terrain, panoramic vistas of peaks like Engineer Mountain, and picturesque alpine lakes such as Molas Lake and Little Molas Lake. Many trails traverse beautiful wildflower meadows, especially during a wilderness descent, and some follow the rolling waters of the Animas River and Molas Creek.

Yes, Molas offers several less strenuous options. For example, the Molas Pass Overlook provides easy, universally accessible panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and Molas Lake via a short, paved 0.1-mile trail. The Little Molas and Molas Lakes Trail is a moderate 3.0-mile hike with panoramic San Juan Mountain views, suitable for families.

For experienced hikers, the Crater Lake Trail is a difficult 11.1-mile path within the Weminuche Wilderness, leading through diverse terrain to Crater Lake and offering ridge views. Another challenging option is the Little Molas Lake to Lime Creek trail, a 10.3-mile route through mountainous landscapes.

The Molas area, being part of the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness, generally allows dogs on trails. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Please check specific trail regulations before heading out.

While many trails are out-and-back, some routes can be combined or are inherently loop-like. For instance, the Little Molas and Molas Lakes Trail offers a loop experience around the scenic lakes with stunning mountain backdrops.

The prime hiking season in Molas is typically from late spring through early fall (June to September) when the alpine meadows are vibrant with wildflowers and the weather is generally favorable. During this period, most trails are free of snow, and the high-altitude lakes are accessible. Fall offers spectacular autumn foliage.

Absolutely. The Molas Pass Overlook offers easy access to panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and Molas Lake. Trails like the Molas Trail provide views of the towering Grenadiers and Needles. Picturesque lakes such as Molas Lake, Little Molas Lake, Crater Lake, and Andrews Lake are also significant attractions and offer incredible scenery.

The Molas area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the breathtaking panoramic views, the diverse high alpine terrain, the beauty of the alpine lakes, and the chance to experience the rugged San Juan Mountains.

Public transport options directly to Molas Pass trailheads are limited. Most visitors access the area by car. Ample parking is generally available at popular trailheads like Molas Pass, Little Molas Lake, and Molas Lake, which serve as common access points for various routes, including sections of the Colorado Trail.

Yes, the region's diverse landscapes also include historic mining traces, adding a unique historical element to the natural surroundings. While not always explicitly marked, these remnants offer a glimpse into the area's past as you explore the trails.