Colorado · Hiking · Near Durango

First Fork

6.7 mi
round trip
1,257 ft
climb
9,495 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is First Fork open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Columbine Ranger District. It doesn't name First Fork, 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.

First Fork is a moderate out-and-back hike on natural-surface trails in the Columbine Ranger District of Colorado's San Juan National Forest. The route runs about 6.7 miles round trip, gaining roughly 1,257 feet from a low point of 7,888 feet to a high of 9,495 feet. The trail is managed by the Forest Service, and it is open from May through October. The most comfortable stretch for a visit is summer into early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Lemon Dam weather station, which sits about 1,400 feet lower than the trail's high point, show July highs near 79°F with lows around 49°F, and September highs around 70°F with lows near 41°F. Winter is cold, with January highs typically in the upper 30s and lows around 9°F. The trail is open to both horses and bikes. Red Creek, a hike less than a mile away, and the Missionary Ridge hike and Ship Rock Boulder climbing area, both about 2.6 miles off, are the closest nearby options. For an overnight stay, Alpen Rose RV Park is about 5.4 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Alpen Rose RV Park

    Campground

    Campground · 5.4 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Pop Sushi

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 6 mi

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

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