The best running trails in Molas Pass Wsa Wilderness Study Area

The Kendall Mountain Road offers a truly epic high-altitude jogging experience, climbing through rugged terrain to deliver unparalleled views of Silverton and the vast San Juan Mountains. As you ascend this historic mining road, the landscape transforms from gravel and rock to exposed alpine tundra and scree, with fascinating glimpses of old mine remnants along the way. It's a demanding route, but the reward is a profound sense of accomplishment and breathtaking panoramas from elevations up to 13,000 feet.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration, as this difficult 9.3-mile (15.0 km) route with 2839 feet (865 metres) of elevation gain is best tackled in the summer and fall. The high altitude means thinner air, making the estimated 2 hours and 23 minutes duration feel even more strenuous. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, including potential thunderstorms, and ensure you have adequate water and gear for an exposed mountain environment.

This trail is not just a jogging route; it's also a popular and challenging path for off-road enthusiasts and the site of the annual Kendall Mountain Run, a renowned mountain race. Its historical significance as a mining road, combined with the dramatic high-mountain scenery and the transition above the treeline, makes it a standout option for experienced joggers seeking a memorable and physically demanding adventure in the Colorado Rockies.

Embark on the Colorado Trail: Twin Sisters for a moderate jogging route that spans 6.5 miles (10.4 km). You'll gain 898 feet (274 metres) in elevation, typically taking about 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete. The trail begins by winding through a lodgepole pine forest, providing welcome shade and occasional glimpses of the peaks around you. As you climb, the trees gradually thin out, giving way to more exposed and rocky paths. Expect rugged sections with eroded ground and loose rocks, offering a good workout amidst unique mountain scenery.

When planning your visit, be aware that while this route is for jogging, its rugged nature, with eroded sections and loose rocks, might make continuous running challenging. The consistent uphill grade and high altitude can also test your endurance. You should be prepared for varied terrain and consider walking the steeper sections to conserve energy. Always check local conditions before heading out.

This segment of the Colorado Trail, specifically Segment 25, offers a distinct experience within the vast San Juan National Forest. Unlike other Twin Sisters trails that might feature specific panoramic views, this route provides its own unique mountain backdrop. It's a great option if you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding outdoor experience in a diverse forest environment.

If you're looking for a moderate jogging route that offers a quick escape into the mountains, the Rainbow Trail is a solid choice. This 3.9-mile (6.3 km) segment, with its 470 feet (143 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 43 minutes to complete, winding through a mix of pine and aspen forests and open green meadows. You'll encounter varied terrain, from smooth stretches to rocky, rooted sections, all while enjoying expansive views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the chance to spot wildflowers.

Planning your visit to this Rainbow Trail jogging location means preparing for an average elevation of 9,000 feet, so altitude can be a factor. While specific parking information for this particular trailhead isn't detailed, arriving early is generally a good strategy for popular trail access points. The trail is shared with various users, including hikers and mountain bikers, so maintain awareness and courtesy on the path.

The Rainbow Trail is a historic route, dating back to 1912, originally built for grazing access and firefighting, making it one of the country's oldest long-distance trails. This segment offers a glimpse into its diverse character, connecting you to the broader 100-mile system that links with the Continental Divide and Colorado Trails. It's a great way to experience the high-alpine environment and witness landscape rejuvenation in areas affected by past fires.

The Colorado Trail: Little Molas Lake offers a fantastic high-alpine jogging experience, winding through expansive meadows and past the picturesque Little Molas Lake itself. You'll be treated to panoramic views of the Grenadier Range and West Needle Mountains, with wildflowers often blooming in July, creating a vibrant backdrop to your run. The terrain is varied, providing both accessible sections and more challenging stretches as you navigate the mountainous landscape.

This moderate 4.8-mile (7.6 km) route, with 514 feet (157 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in approximately 58 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick, invigorating outing. The trailhead is easily reached via an unpaved road off Highway 550, generally suitable for most cars in good weather. Remember to account for the high-altitude conditions and plan your visit during the warmer months for the best experience.

What makes this segment particularly notable is its role as an excellent jumping-off point for the iconic Colorado Trail, offering a true taste of the high-alpine environment. Beyond jogging, the area is a recreational hub popular for mountain biking, fishing, and snowshoeing in winter, highlighting its versatility and natural beauty within the San Juan Mountains.

The Boulder Gulch Trail to Velocity Basin offers a truly wild alpine jogging experience near Silverton, Colorado. You'll start on a dirt road, then climb steadily through Boulder Gulch on a smooth singletrack before the terrain turns rugged and technical, leading to high alpine tundra. The highlight is undoubtedly Velocity Basin, featuring a beautiful alpine lake tucked beneath towering Storm Peak, with panoramic views from the pass between Storm Peak and Tower Mountain.

This difficult 15.0-mile (24.2 km) route involves a substantial 5012 feet (1527 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 2 minutes to complete. It's best tackled from late June to early September for clear trails and vibrant wildflowers, but be prepared for potential snow patches at higher elevations even then. Given the remoteness and exposure to lightning, an early start is highly recommended, and always carry ample water.

This trail is a prime example of the San Juan Mountains' challenging beauty, offering a demanding workout in a spectacular setting. The varied terrain, from smooth singletrack to rocky alpine sections, ensures a dynamic run. It's a fantastic option for experienced trail runners looking for a significant high-altitude adventure away from more crowded routes.

The Molas Lake Trail Loop offers a genuinely rewarding jogging experience, wrapping around the picturesque Molas Lake with constant views of the majestic San Juan Mountains. You'll find yourself amidst open meadows, a legacy of the 1879 Lime Creek Burn, with the chance to spot wildlife like deer and elk. The terrain is mostly accessible, even featuring some paved sections, making it a smooth run through breathtaking alpine scenery.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking available right at the Molas Lake Trailhead. There are no permits or fees required for day use, making it an easy stop. The best time to experience this route is from late spring through early fall; aim for early July if you want to catch the wildflowers at their peak. Keep in mind that while the physical effort is easy, the high altitude of over 10,500 feet means the air is thinner, which can add a unique challenge.

This trail is a fantastic entry point into the San Juan National Forest and borders the Weminuche Wilderness, offering a taste of high-altitude jogging without extreme difficulty. It's also dog-friendly, provided your pet is leashed, and provides access to the much larger Colorado Trail system if you're looking for more extensive adventures. The minimal 207 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain over 1.8 miles (2.9 km) makes it an easy 21-minute jog, perfect for acclimatization or a relaxed outing.

This segment of the Animas River via Colorado Trail offers a rugged jogging experience, guiding you through a diverse landscape that transitions from high-alpine views to riverside tranquility. You'll start near the Molas Lake Trailhead, climbing steadily to gain impressive vistas of the Grenadier Range before descending towards the Animas River itself, with Molas Creek adding to the natural beauty along the way. It's a demanding route, but the changing scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

Planning your visit means preparing for a challenging outing; this is a difficult 7.4-mile (11.9 km) jogging route with a substantial 1895 feet (578 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes. The trailhead at Molas Lake is your starting point, so ensure you have adequate parking arrangements. Always pack plenty of water and check current weather and trail conditions, as mountain environments can be unpredictable.

While the Animas River Trail in Durango is known for its easy, paved sections, this specific route, the Animas River via Colorado Trail, taps into a more adventurous side of the region's trail network. It offers a unique blend of the Colorado Trail's wilderness character with the allure of the Animas River, providing a distinct experience for those seeking a more strenuous and scenic jogging challenge in the San Juan County area.

Easy 1.0 mile (1.6 km) jogging loop around Andrews Lake in San Juan National Forest, offering high-alpine views.