Colorado · Hiking

Section House

5.5 mi
round trip
2,036 ft
climb
10,161 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Section House open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Section House is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's San Juan National Forest, within the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. The route is about 5.5 miles long and climbs roughly 2,036 feet from a low point of 8,075 feet to a high point of 10,161 feet. The Forest Service manages the land. The trail is a natural-surface route, and both horses and bikes are allowed. The trip is rated moderate, and the open season runs from June 1 to October 31, according to the Forest Service. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Silverton weather station put July highs around 75°F with lows near 38°F, though temperatures at the high point run a little cooler than that. Several other hikes start close by, including Priest Cut Off about half a mile away and School House at 0.7 miles. West Dolores Campground and Mavreeso Campground are both within about 9.5 miles for overnight stays.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go

    Best time to visit Section House

    No month here meets our mild-weather rule. 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

      34° / -6°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      36° / -3°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      43° / 6°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 17°

      9 wet

    5. May

      58° / 25°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      70° / 31°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 38°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      72° / 37°

      15 wet

    9. Sep

      66° / 30°

      12 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 20°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      43° / 7°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      34° / -5°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Silverton, CO, 29.7 mi away at 9,285 ft. The station sits about 900 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.