The best walks and hikes in Hermosa Creek Wilderness

Yes, dogs are generally permitted in the Hermosa Creek Wilderness and the surrounding San Juan National Forest, but they must be under voice control or on a leash. Keep in mind that this is a wild area with wildlife like bears and elk, so it's crucial to keep your dog close and under control for their safety and the protection of the ecosystem.

Parts of the Hermosa Creek watershed were affected by the 2018 416 Fire. While many trails are open, hikers should be cautious in burned areas. Potential hazards include falling trees, especially during high winds, and unstable soil, which can lead to erosion or washouts after heavy rain. Always check for the latest alerts from the San Juan National Forest before you go.

For an easier, family-friendly outing, consider the Highline Co. Trail to Taylor Lake – San Juan National Forest. It's a relatively short and gentle walk through the forest to a scenic lake, making it a great option for hikers of all ages.

Yes, the area is excellent for backpacking. The 19-mile Hermosa Creek Trail is a classic multi-day trip. For a more rugged and solitary experience, you can create loops by connecting trails within the Hermosa Creek Wilderness, such as the Salt Creek and Clear Creek trails. Dispersed camping is allowed, but be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and all local regulations.

The landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from crimson-colored canyons and old-growth ponderosa pine forests at lower elevations to vibrant aspen groves and alpine tundra higher up. The area is a vital habitat for wildlife, so you have a good chance of spotting mule deer, elk, and marmots. Black bears are also present, so it's important to be bear-aware and store your food properly.

The difficulty varies widely. You'll find everything from easy, relatively flat trails along the creek to strenuous, difficult climbs to high-alpine ridges with significant elevation gain. Of the routes in this guide, about half are rated as difficult, with the rest split between moderate and easy, so there's a trail for nearly every fitness level.

There are several access points. The main Hermosa Creek Trail has trailheads at both its northern end near Purgatory Resort and its southern end at the Lower Hermosa Campground. The Hermosa Creek Trailhead is a well-established starting point. For high-country trails, you may need to drive on forest service roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is often recommended.

Absolutely. Hermosa Creek is renowned for its high-quality water and is a key area for the reintroduction of the native Colorado River cutthroat trout. Anglers will find excellent opportunities in the creek and its tributaries, but make sure you have a valid Colorado fishing license and are familiar with the specific regulations for the area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning scenery, from the red rock canyons to the high alpine meadows. The solitude and wild character of the wilderness trails are frequently mentioned, as is the sheer variety of hikes available in one region.

Yes, you can find some great loop hikes. For a challenging high-altitude loop with incredible views, the Cumberland Mountain loop from Kennebec Pass is a fantastic option. Other loops can be created by linking various side trails like the Jones Creek or Dutch Creek trails to the main Hermosa Creek Trail for longer backpacking trips.

The prime hiking season is typically from late spring to early fall, roughly June through October. Summer offers lush greenery and access to high-elevation trails, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. September is particularly beautiful when the aspen groves turn golden. Snow can linger in the high country well into June and return as early as October, so always check conditions before heading out.