Colorado · Hiking · Near Durango

Lech

LechPhoto: Daniel Weber, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)
1.1 mi
round trip
86 ft
climb
8,094 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Lech open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Lech is an easy out-and-back hike of about a mile on natural trail in the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The route gains about 86 feet from a low point of roughly 8,021 feet to a high of about 8,094 feet, making it a short, gentle walk. Bikes and horses are both allowed, which makes it easy to take the trail on foot, on a horse, or on a bike. The climb is short, and the whole trip can be done in about an hour. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Lemon Dam weather station show July highs around 79°F with lows near 49°F, while September cools to about 70°F by day and 41°F at night. Meadow Trail and the mountain biking route at Hermosa View both sit about a tenth of a mile away. Climbers will find the Right Side and Country Club Cave climbing areas within a quarter mile. For an overnight stay, Haviland Lake Campground is about 1.3 miles off.

Around this trail

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

    Chris Park

    Campground

    Campground · 0.6 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Pinkerton Hot Springs

    Hot spring

    On your way back · 5 mi

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