Westview Loop

Westview Loop is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's San Juan National Forest, within the Columbine Ranger District. The trail is about 6 miles long and gains roughly 422 feet from its low point of 8,411 feet to its high of 8,847 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open from April 15 through November 30. The route is a natural-surface trail, and both horses and bikes are allowed. That makes it a flexible option for hikers, riders and pack animals. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Lemon Dam, which sits a few hundred feet lower than the trail, 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. Junction Creek Campground lies about 1.5 miles away, and Junction Creek offers canoeing at a similar distance. The Cougar Land climbing area is about 1.3 miles off, and Log Chutes 3 Trail, a mountain biking route, is about 0.4 miles away.