Colorado · Hiking · Near Durango

Cliff Line

1.8 mi
round trip
33 ft
climb
8,670 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Cliff Line open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Columbine Ranger District. It doesn't name Cliff Line, so check the source for the area it covers (5 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Columbine Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Cliff Line is an easy out-and-back hike in the Columbine Ranger District of Colorado's San Juan National Forest, about 1.8 miles long with a gentle elevation gain of 33 feet. The trail starts and ends at the same low point, 8,107 feet, and reaches a high of 8,670 feet. It is managed by the Forest Service. The route is short and low, so it works well as a quick stop. The natural surface trail is open from April 15 through November 30. Horses and bikes are both allowed. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Lemon Dam weather station, which sits about 560 feet below the trail, show highs around 63°F in May and 70°F in September. Summer is warmer and wetter, with July and August highs near 79°F and rain on about 14 to 16 days each month. Animas Overlook, a mountain biking spot, is just 0.3 miles away. Logchutes 3 is a hike 1.2 miles off, and Alpen Rose RV Park offers camping about 1.4 miles away. Turtle Lake Cliffs, a climbing area, is 1.8 miles from the trail.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Alpen Rose RV Park

    Campground

    Campground · 1.4 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Serious Texas Barbecue

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 4 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0 (commons)

More in Durango

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.