Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Egnar, Colorado
Egnar sits in the remote southwestern corner of Colorado's San Miguel County, and the hiking here reflects that isolation in the best possible way.
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Egnar sits in the remote southwestern corner of Colorado's San Miguel County, and the hiking here reflects that isolation in the best possible way. Most of the 53 routes in and around town follow county roads, two-tracks, and connector trails through high desert terrain — think open mesa country, canyon edges, and scrubland rather than alpine switchbacks. Trails like Nicholas Wash and the Gas Road Connector Trail offer more defined route character, while routes along County Road P13, Sand Rock Road (CR F11), and the various numbered county roads give you long, quiet miles with minimal foot traffic. This is not a destination with trailhead kiosks and paved parking lots. You navigate by road names, you watch for cattle gates, and you carry your own water because reliable sources are scarce out here. The payoff is genuine solitude and wide-open views across the Dolores River country. If you are coming from Telluride or Cortez expecting groomed singletrack, recalibrate. If you want to walk for hours without seeing another person, Egnar delivers that consistently.
Frequently asked questions
What time of year is best for hiking near Egnar?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures on the exposed mesa and canyon routes can push well above 90°F by midday, so if you hike in July or August, start before 7 a.m. and plan to be off open terrain by noon. Winter is generally passable at lower elevations but snow and mud can make the county road routes impassable for foot travel and may close vehicle access entirely.
Do I need a permit to hike these routes?
Most of the routes here follow BLM-administered county roads and two-tracks, which are generally open to the public without a permit. That said, some routes cross private land, and gates and fencing are common in this part of San Miguel County. Respect posted closures, leave gates as you find them, and when in doubt contact the BLM Dolores Field Office before your trip.
How difficult are the hikes around Egnar?
The terrain is mostly moderate in terms of elevation gain — these are mesa and canyon-country routes, not summit climbs — but distance and exposure are the real challenges. Routes like the Powerline North Road and the various county road corridors can stretch for many miles with no shade and no water. Fitness matters less than preparation here; the difficulty is logistical rather than technical.
What gear should I bring?
Carry more water than you think you need — a minimum of three liters per person for any route over five miles given the dry, exposed conditions. Sturdy footwear with ankle support is worthwhile on the rocky two-track surfaces along routes like Sand Rock Road (CR F11) and Nicholas Wash. A paper map or downloaded offline GPS track is strongly recommended because cell service in the Egnar area is unreliable.
Is there parking and trailhead access for these routes?
Access points vary by route and most lack formal trailheads. Many hikes start directly off county roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is useful for reaching the starting points of routes like J1 Road, 9S Road, and 8K Road, especially after rain when dirt roads can become soft. Check road conditions locally before driving out, particularly in spring.
