Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Hesperus, Colorado
Hesperus sits at the foot of the La Plata Mountains in southwest Colorado, and the hiking here reflects that position: you get a mix of canyon-bottom routes, old mining roads, and ridge-line trails within a short drive of town.
29 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 29 spots
Hesperus sits at the foot of the La Plata Mountains in southwest Colorado, and the hiking here reflects that position: you get a mix of canyon-bottom routes, old mining roads, and ridge-line trails within a short drive of town. Most of the 29 listed routes run through the La Plata Canyon corridor and the surrounding national forest, where trails like Sharkstooth Trail and Starvation Creek Trail offer genuine elevation gain and mountain scenery, while routes like Old Snag Circle and Coyote suit hikers who want something shorter and less committing. A fair number of the listings share trailheads or overlap with OHV corridors — Bedrock Creek OHV Trail, Neptune OHV Trail, and the Madden Creek trails among them — so expect to share some of these paths with off-road vehicles, particularly on weekends. The La Plata Canyon area also holds remnants of late-1800s mining activity, which adds context to routes like Old Gold Run Trail and Crystal Acres Road. Trailhead access generally requires a passenger car with reasonable clearance, though a few of the upper canyon roads benefit from higher clearance. Overall, the trail network here rewards hikers who are comfortable with route-finding and don't mind a working forest environment.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike near Hesperus?
Late May through early October covers the main hiking season. Snow can linger on higher routes like Sharkstooth Trail into June, and the upper La Plata Canyon roads may be muddy or gated until the forest service opens them for the season. September is a strong choice — crowds thin out, temperatures are comfortable, and the aspen color along the canyon walls is worth the trip.
Are these trails open to hikers only, or do I need to share the trail with OHVs?
Several routes in the area — including Neptune OHV Trail, Bedrock Creek OHV Trail, Madden Creek Access OHV Trail, and Basin Creek OHV Trail — are designated OHV corridors, meaning motorized vehicles have legal access. Hikers can use them, but plan accordingly on weekends when OHV traffic picks up. Trails like Old Snag Circle and Starvation Creek Trail tend to see less motorized use.
What skill level do I need for Sharkstooth Trail?
Sharkstooth Trail is one of the more demanding hikes in the area, involving meaningful elevation gain on rocky terrain as it climbs toward the La Plata ridgeline. Solid hiking fitness and sturdy footwear are a practical minimum. It is not a beginner trail, but it does not require technical climbing skills.
Do I need any permits or passes to hike here?
Most trailheads in the La Plata Canyon area fall under San Juan National Forest jurisdiction. As of current information, no day-use permit is required for general hiking, but regulations can change and some dispersed camping areas have specific rules. Check with the Columbine Ranger District before your trip for the most current access and fire restriction information.
What gear should I bring for a day hike in this area?
At minimum, bring more water than you think you need — the La Plata Mountains are dry and the elevation will work you harder than the mileage suggests. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through August, so an early start and a rain layer are standard practice. For routes that share OHV corridors, high-visibility clothing is a reasonable precaution on busy weekends.
