Colorado · Hiking

North Ridge

7.8 mi
round trip
1,111 ft
climb
9,849 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Jul, Sep
best months

Is North Ridge open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in San Juan National Forest. It doesn't name North Ridge, 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.

North Ridge is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's San Juan National Forest, on the Pagosa Ranger District. The trail starts at about 8,239 feet and climbs to a high point of 9,849 feet, with an elevation gain of 1,111 feet over the course of the 7.8-mile round trip. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is natural-surfaced, which makes it suitable for horses. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 76°F with lows near 42°F, while June and September run cooler. Winter brings frequent snow, with highs around 34°F and lows below zero in December and January. The trip runs from June 1 to September 30, so plan for a season hike. The closest neighbor is the Little Sand hike, about 0.8 miles away, and Williams Creek Campground sits about 4 miles off. Shaw Creek and Weminuche Creek, a canoeing spot, are both within a few miles.