One of many epics near Durango, this popular 25-mile loop rounds the San Juan's Hermosa Peak combining a killer climb (and screaming descent) with an alpine stretch of singletrack.
This ride begins at the Hermosa Trailhead Campground and climbs north on Forest Road 478 gaining about 2,500 feet en route to Bolam Pass. The loop's first 9 miles are a long, steep dirt-road climb that intensifies over the last several miles approaching the pass—stop for a breather at the abandoned buildings of the Greysill Mine. From the mine there are a couple of steep switchbacks before this route turns west onto the Colorado Trail at Celebration Lake.
You'll continue mostly uphill for the next 6 miles and though there's a short dirt-road stretch, it's mostly narrow singletrack and much of it is exposed—cruising alpine meadows and offering spectacular views. Keep climbing to Blackhawk Pass, the ride's high point just before mile 15. It's all downhill from here but be careful, the first section off the pass it is steep and can be very loose. Eventually you will spill out onto Hotel Draw road which will take you back to your car.
Be prepared for changing weather on this high elevation ride and, if you're short on time (or stamina for the climb), consider arranging a shuttle to Bolam Pass with Hermosa Tours.
-Mapped by Linda Paris
TO TRAILHEAD: Drive north on US 550, and turn left onto Sheol St. into Durango Mountain Resort. At the northeast corner of the parking lot, pick up FR 578 and follow signs 8 miles to the Hermosa Creek Trailhead.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Bolam Pass - Colorado Trail
Distance: 24.93 mi
Points: 517
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Bolam Pass - Colorado Trail
Points of Interest
BLM001
Location: 37.632250, -107.915653
There's the option to park right at the trailhead entrance or cross the creek and park near the campground bathrooms. Take your pick, but you'll begin riding west on the dirt road from here.
BLM002
Location: 37.656713, -107.932584
Stay straight on the forest road, bypassing Hotel Draw Road at mile 2.5.
BLM003
Location: 37.668433, -107.929494
This route's first 3.2 miles climb about 300 feet, but the grade increases from here as you continue alongside Hermosa Creek.
BLM004
Location: 37.701173, -107.911406
This first switchback at mile 6 is the precursor to a series of turns up ahead approaching the mine site and Celebration Lake.
BLM005
Location: 37.713118, -107.903531
Look for signs for the Colorado Trail on your left at the lake. The trail from here is rugged, but still wide.
BLM006
Location: 37.716078, -107.924977
Turn left onto this old gravel road after the short downhill from the pass. You'll follow the road for the next 1.4 miles and have a relatively mellow, rolling ride before turning back onto singletrack.
BLM007
Location: 37.705783, -107.959573
Take this sharp left below Section Point, but stop first to admire the spectacular view of the San Miguel Mountains to the north.
BLM008
Location: 37.688813, -107.972260
After rounding the top of this bowl (which drains toward Silver Creek), the trail turns uphill and climbs 500 feet over the next 0.7 mile. Expect some hike-a-biking as the previous 14 miles of climbing and the high-altitude oxygen deprivation take a toll.
BLM009
Location: 37.684485, -107.980314
Stop at Black Hawk Pass, the ride's high point, for a break and some photos. You will likely encounter other riders with whom you can share the relief and accomplishment of reaching the top. The first few miles of the remaining downhill are steep and can be loose. Watch your speed as you begin the descent.
BLM010
Location: 37.649664, -107.957001
As you loose elevation you may encounter other trails. Stay on the main path until this left turn onto Hotel Draw Road, a well-established dirt road leading back to the parking area.
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