Starting from the Colorado Trail (Highline) the trail switchbacks down and east facing grassy bowl, dipping into several gullies and soon merging into the spruce and fir at the bottom of the draw. The trail stays in the bottom of the draw for the duration of the hike. Near the bottom, the trail passes through several small south-facing meadows that offer nice camping spots. Wading Hermosa Creek is necessary to access Hermosa Trail. Water should always be purified to avoid Giardia.
Directions from Durango, Colorado: Access #1 (Road access): 28 miles north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550, turn west at Purgatory Ski area. From there, take Hermosa Park Road 10.5 miles to the junction with Hotel Draw Road. Turn west on this road and follow it approximately 5 miles to the junction with Scotch Creek Road. Directly after this "Y" in the road, the Colorado Trail starts from a gate to the south. There is adequate parking for several vehicles. Follow the Colorado Trail 1 mile to the Corral Draw trailhead. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Directions from Durango, Colorado: Access #2 (Trail access): Access the bottom of this trail from Hermosa Park Road (Forest Road 578). The trailhead is very accommodating with bathrooms, parking, livestock ramps, and an interpretive map. Follow this trail (514) for about 2.5 miles to the junction with Corral Draw Trail 521.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend .
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