Colorado · Hiking

Morrison

5.6 mi
round trip
1,671 ft
climb
9,617 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Morrison open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in San Juan National Forest. It doesn't name Morrison, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · San Juan National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Morrison hike is a 5.6-mile out-and-back in Colorado's San Juan National Forest, within the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. It is a moderate route with an elevation gain of 1,671 feet, rising from a low of 7,908 feet to a high of 9,617 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surface, with horses and bikes allowed. The most comfortable stretch for a visit runs from June through October, when typical averages from a nearby weather station in Cortez reach highs of about 76°F in June and 71°F in September. That station sits roughly 1,600 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. The trail starts at Bear Creek Trailhead, and the open season runs from June 15 to October 15. The Little Bear Pack Trail and Bear Creek lie just a few tenths of a mile away, and climbers can find Carly Crag about 4 miles off. Transfer Campground, at roughly 7 miles, offers a place to camp.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Morrison

    Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      35° / 22°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      38° / 24°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      47° / 30°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      55° / 35°

      7 wet

    5. May

      65° / 44°

      6 wet

    6. Jun

      76° / 54°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 58°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      79° / 57°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 50°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 40°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      45° / 30°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      35° / 22°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Cortez 8 Se, CO, 28 mi away at 8,034 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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