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Conejos Peak Ranger District

Quick Facts

Silver Mountain Trail

Beginning Elevation:	8,800 Feet (2743.1 Meters)
Difficulty:	More Difficult
Elevation Gain:	3,880 Feet (1209.5 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,800 Feet (3678.3 Meters)
High Point:	12,240 Feet (3815.5 Meters) Silver Mountain
Length, One-way:	12.0 Miles (20.0 Kilometers)
Trail Number:	704
Usage:	Moderate
USGS Maps:	Jasper, Greenie

General Description

This trail follows the South Fork of Cat Creek, gaining elevation gradually. The trail leaves the South Fork of Cat Creek Drainage, crosses over and follows Ranger Creek for a short way. The trail then turns a little steeper and climbs to the ridge top and up to Silver Mountain. The trail follows the ridge around Silver Mountain toward Sheep Mountain. Beautiful views of the surrounding area are common along this stretch. The trail passes through stands of every type of tree found on the Conejos Peak District, with portions above timberline. Water is available on the first 7 miles of trail, but should be treated before use.

Suitable campsites are numerous along the trail. Approximately 6 miles from the trailhead, the Alamosa-Rock Creek Trail 703 crosses this trail. Going 3 miles north on this trail, one will reach Comstock Campground.

Directions from Monte Vista, Colorado: Proceed south on the Gunbarrel Road, State Road #15 for 12 miles to Forest Road 250. Take Forest Road 250 west for 8 miles to Forest Road 271, Cat Creek Road. Proceed west on Cat Creek Road to the trailhead, approximately 5.5 miles.

Directions from Monte Vista, Colorado: Proceed south on the Gunbarrel Road for 12 miles to Forest Road 250, west on 250 for 21 miles to Spring Creek Road #329, north on Spring Creek Road for 4 miles to the trailhead at Blowout Pass.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: May through October .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Suitable campsites numerous along the trail; Comstock Campground	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Silver Mountain Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Steeper up to Silver Mountain	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Steeper up to Silver Mountain	Yes

Related Activities

Comstock Campground - Comstock Campground is in the Rock Creek Drainage 18 miles southwest of Monte Vista. The South Fork of Rock Creek provides fishing. Big game hunting and hiking trails are accessible from here.

South Fork Rock Creek Trail - South Rock Creek Trail is lightly used and offers spectacular views from the top. Wildflowers, when in bloom, are prolific. The trail is rated as easy, with an occasional moderately difficult stretch.